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Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho dropped a bombshell by revealing his intentions to return to the Premier League one day as he praised Manchester United.

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• Mourinho's Fenerbahce host Man Utd
• Portuguese hints at Premier League return
• Managed Red Devils for two and a half years

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mourinho met the press on Wednesday ahead of Fenerbahce's game against United in the Europa League. The Red Devils have continued to struggle in the years since his departure, but the Portuguese coach is confident that his former side will succeed "sooner or later" as he surprisingly revealed his plan to return to the Premier League one day.

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  United sacked Mourinho in December 2018 after two and a half years at the club. He then lasted only 17 months at Tottenham and, while he won the Europa Conference League with Roma, now finds himself at Fenerbahce. He's made a turbulent start to life in Turkey though and his style of play hardly aligns with the attacking approach currently preferred by many Premier League managers, so it's interesting to hear that he still believes he could end up back in the English top-flight.

• WHAT MOURINHO SAID

  "Maybe you think I am bluffing or playing mind games," the 61-year-old said. "They [United] have a better team than their results show. We watch everything, there is work there and sooner or later they will succeed. Hopefully sooner and hopefully before I go back to the Premier League."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MOURINHO?

  Mourinho was in good spirits at his press conference, cheekily saying he could still win another Premier League winner's medal if Manchester City are stripped of their 2017-18 title. He'll be desperate for three points when he comes up against Erik ten Hag at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on Thursday.

Leicester City will hope that they can consolidate themselves as a Premier League club again from next season onwards after the disaster of slipping down to the Championship was immediately rectified by going back up as second-tier champions.

Enzo Maresca is now gone from the Foxes hot seat after being the mastermind from the dug-out that steered the East Midlands side back up to the top flight, but that doesn't have to completely disorientate the newly promoted team, especially if Graham Potter walks in as the Italian's successor soon.

Named as the frontrunner for the King Power Stadium vacancy, the former Chelsea manager could well fancy the task of managing the Foxes, especially if recent developments surrounding a transfer embargo being lifted turn out to be true.

This could see a transfer spree occur off the back of the positive news, with a new striker potentially following Potter into the building.

Potter's first potential signing at the King Power

According to a report from Italian outlet GialloRossi.net last month, Leicester City hold an interest in AS Roma striker Tammy Abraham this summer, with a new development potentially piquing the interest of the Foxes even further.

Indeed, journalist Matt Law, writing for the Telegraph, further speculated about interest coming from the Premier League for the ex-Chelsea centre-forward earlier this week, with the likes of Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa all queueing up for his services, as his Serie A employers place a reasonable £20m price-tag above his head.

What Abraham could offer Leicester

It could be a risky capture by the newly promoted outfit, however, owing to Abraham only completing eight league games last season across an injury-ravaged campaign, but it could well be a signing that shows Leicester mean business after taking the Championship by storm to return to the top-flight.

Potter would also love the new addition of the 26-year-old striker to strengthen the Leicester ranks, if both faces do end up joining the East Midlands side, with Abdul Fatawu a potential teammate he could cause havoc with up-front.

Fatawu – who looks to be edging closer to a permanent switch to Leicester – could explode into life in the Premier League operating from an inside forward position next to Abraham.

He bagged seven goals in the Championship whilst on loan, with three of those coming in just one game against Southampton back in April.

Thus, the thought of the winger playing alongside a prolific striker – of which Leicester will need once 20-goal Jamie Vardy eventually departs – is a tantalising one indeed.

He could be a perfect Vardy heir when the seasoned striker hangs up his boots, alongside being a major upgrade on the likes of Patson Daka waiting in the wings as a reserve option to lead the line.

Abraham would give Potter another option he can use in his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation if he was to take over the reins at the King Power, with the lofty 6 foot 4 presence playing up top in this formation last time out when donning a Roma strip under Daniele De Rossi.

Abraham will aim to prove he's a Premier League calibre striker for the Foxes if a move comes to fruition, only finding himself 16 goals shy of Iheanacho's haul at the level already, and will act as his replacement if signed with the ex-Manchester City striker now allowed to leave for nothing.

He certainly showed himself to be a goal machine in Serie A, with 17 goals managed in his debut season when relocating. Writer Henry Winter even described him as being "outstanding" performing in Italy.

Abraham would be a superb signing but combining him with Potter would be of great benefit to Leicester, particularly when you consider he helped to make Brighton a distinguished top-flight outfit as boss.

Potter could find his next Dunk by reviving Leicester's £50k-p/w gem

Graham Potter could get even more out of this defender if appointed as Leicester City boss.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 12, 2024

A £109,000-per-week Arsenal player may have played his last game for the club, with Mikel Arteta against keeping him as the Spaniard green-lights his sale.

Arsenal players who could be sold this summer

The Gunners' squad could be seriously trimmed this summer window, as it is believed that sporting director Edu and Arsenal are open to offers for a wide array of squad members.

£319,000-per-week Bayern Munich star would be keen on joining Arsenal

He’s been “left hanging” over a new deal.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 5, 2024

Aaron Ramsdale, Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, Reiss Nelson, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah have all been named by various reports as players who could be sold by Arsenal this summer as Arteta looks to continue evolving the squad.

The likes of Ramsdale, Partey, Jesus, Zinchenko, Smith Rowe and Nketiah stand out as the biggest names to have fallen down the Arsenal pecking order last season, and all players could fetch a pretty decent transfer fee depending on approaches from clubs.

It is believed Fulham are in talks to sign Nketiah from Arsenal and preparing an official offer (TEAMtalk), while Partey is attracting interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia as he enters the final 12 months of his contract.

There is also the matter of fringe squad members who spent 2023/2024 out on loan elsewhere. Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares and Kieran Tierney all fall into this bracket, and there's a very high likelihood that all three players will depart Hale End in the coming months. The latter was on a temporary spell at Real Sociedad last campaign, where he managed 20 La Liga appearances.

Arteta green-lights Kieran Tierney sale at Arsenal

According to TEAMtalk, the Scotland international may well have played his last game for Arsenal.

Indeed, it is believed Arsenal are set to green-light Tierney's exit this summer with Arteta personally against keeping him at the club. The north Londoners have opted to sell, with the 27-year-old having struggled with injuries for many years.

On a reported £109,000-per-week, TT claim the full-back would walk back to Celtic as his favoured option, but it is unlikely the SPFL champions could afford his asking price.

"He has been solid," former Arsenal defender Ashley Cole told Sky Sports.

"I think he would have liked to see more game time, he’s had a few injuries that hampered his season. When he’s in the team, they are a different team, he’s willing to defend, he’s that kind of leader and warrior they need in this team.

"There were those questions marks over him and his ability to come from Scottish fooball and adapt to the Premier League. But I think he’s adapted very well.

"He’s got those leadership qualities which are needed along with the younger players in there. When he doesn’t play they miss him on he left. for me, he can defend which is a plus."

Harry Kane reported for England duty nursing a knock, and the Bayern Munich striker has been unable to play a full part in training.

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• Picked up knock on domestic duty
• Has joined Carsley's Three Lions squad
• Working on an individual programme

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  There were suggestions that the 31-year-old frontman, who is captain of his country, may not link up with the Three Lions at all after being forced out of Bayern’s latest Bundesliga fixture. He was, however, cleared to leave Germany and head for St George’s Park.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Kane was all smiles when joining up with Lee Carsley’s squad, but questions continue to be asked of how fit he is. England have already lost Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White and Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa to injuries – with said trio all being forced to withdraw.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Kane – who became an international centurion when earning his 100th cap back in September – remains part of the fold for now, but only 21 players took part in training on Tuesday. It has been revealed that England’s skipper was left “working indoors on an individual programme”.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

  Carsley has opted against drafting any replacements into his squad, as the Three Lions prepare to face Greece at Wembley Stadium on Thursday. They will travel to Helsinki for a meeting with Finland three days later, as England endeavour to preserve their 100 per cent record in Nations League Group B2.

Bruno Fernandes' red card for a tackle on James Maddison has been overturned following an appeal from Manchester United.

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• Fernandes shown red card vs Spurs
• Man Utd appealed against suspension
• Referee's decision overturned by FA

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Fernandes was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Maddison late in the first half of the Premier League clash against Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday, which United went on to lose 3-0.

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  The midfielder went on to protest that the foul was "never a red card" after the game and United subsequently appealed against the decision. The Football Association (FA) has now confirmed that he will not have to serve a suspension.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Fernandes' red card, which was the third of the 30-year-old's career, meant he was to be suspended for his team's matches against Aston Villa, Brentford and West Ham, but he will be available for head coach Erik ten Hag after the FA's decision.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  The Portugal international will be involved when his side meet Porto in the Europa League in midweek before they turn their attention to the Premier League clash against Villa on Sunday.

After a Premier League season full of genuinely impressive performances, including big wins over Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal had to settle for second place for the second year running.

Mikel Arteta's side pushed Manchester City all the way, but yet again, they go into the summer with a big job on their hands and, based on a number of reports, are in the market for a striker.

However, while the club might sign the perfect number nine to lead the line next year, they still need a reliable backup to replace Eddie Nketiah, and as it turns out, they might just have one in a player who just won a title, as well as comparisons to Erling Haaland of all people.

Mika Biereth's season in numbers

The player in question is 21-year-old Danish striker Mika Biereth, who has spent the season on loan in Scotland and Austria.

The youngster joined Arsenal from fellow London outfit Fulham in July 2021, and after lighting it up for the youth sides – scoring 12 goals and providing five assists for the U23s – and a mediocre loan move to RKC Waalwijk last season, he joined Scottish Premiership side Motherwell on loan last summer.

Unlike his time in the Netherlands, the London-born ace got off to a flyer north of the border, and by the time the January transfer window had come around, he had six goals and five assists to his name in just 15 appearances.

This incredible form led to Arsenal recalling him and sending him to Austrian first-division side Sturm Graz – where Rasmus Højlund caught Atalanta's attention – who were in the midst of a title race with RB Salzburg.

Over the next few months, the 6 foot 2 forward scored nine goals and provided four assists in just 22 outings to help the Graz-based side end Salzburg's ten-year dominance.

Comparisons to Nketiah and Haaland

Clearly a player with a sense of humour and a willingness to engage in self-deprecation, the Dane described himself as like "a s**t [Erling] Haaland and a s**t [Harry] Kane" in an interview with the i newspaper earlier this year, saying “like Haaland, all I really care about is scoring goals. If you’d offer me two touches of the ball and two goals I’d take that. For me, it’s all about scoring goals."

However, as journalist Oliver Young-Myles points out, there are similarities between the pair beyond just goalscoring.

For starters, like Biereth, the City superstar cut his teeth in the Austrian Bundesliga, joining Salzburg from Molde in January 2019 before making the leap to Borussia Dortmund the following winter and truly announcing himself to the wider footballing public at large.

Moreover, the Arsenal youngster has thrived on loan, and while his return of 13 goals and assists in 22 games isn't quite on the level of the Norwegian's 36 in 27, the fact that he succeeded in a league that can be quite challenging should encourage those at the Emirates.

And on that topic, while his numbers don't stack up to those of the City phenom, they certainly look better than the player he could replace next season, Nketiah.

For example, in 37 appearances this term, the Englishman has only scored six goals and provided three assists, which, when held up to Biereth's 15 goals and nine assists in as many games, looks rather underwhelming, to put it lightly.

Ultimately, while the Gunners' young striker is unlikely to match Haaland's inhuman output, he has shown an ability to score goals and provide assists, which Nketiah has struggled to do this year.

So next season, when the level has to be that bit higher throughout the squad, Arteta should appoint the Dane as his backup forward instead of the Englishman.

Arsenal's "sensational" 8/10 star just revived his career

The incredible talent could be a difference-maker next season.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 20, 2024

Manchester United are leading the race to sign a teenage gem this summer, it has emerged, as new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to continue his overhaul of the club.

Man Utd biggest earners

There is set to be wholesale changes at Old Trafford this summer after another disappointing Premier League season.

With two games left to play, Erik ten Hag's side need to win both to have any chance of playing European football next season, though they could still reach the Europa League by winning the FA Cup, where they will face Manchester City in the final.

A key part of the summer could be trimming the wage bill, with the club's highest earners rarely justifying their massive salaries. Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane are on course to leave for free, while there is interest in Casemiro from Saudi Arabia, which could see him leave after a string of poor outings.

At the other end of the spectrum, there is also set to be an increased focus on signing young high-potential stars, and with that in mind, Ratcliffe seems to already be plotting his move.

Man Utd readying bid for midfielder

Now, it has emerged that despite their struggles, Manchester United are leading the race to sign Championship gem Chris Rigg, who has been impressing viewers at Sunderland.

The teenage talent has appeared 21 times in England's second tier this season, scoring twice in the process despite starting just eight of those games.

During his time in charge of the Black Cats, former manager Tony Mowbray admitted that Rigg was a special talent. "He’s still a young boy but he has wonderful qualities and wonderful attributes", he explained. “He knows where the goal is and wants to run forward, he’s got energy to burn and can keep running all day.

And his outings have caught the eye of a whole host of top clubs, including Newcastle United, Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen. However, The Northern Echo's Scott Wilson has revealed that it is Manchester United who leads the race for his signature as things stand, with Ratcliffe keen to make him the poster boy for their overhauled academy following his arrival at Old Trafford at the start of the year.

Done deal: Man Utd agree to sign new teenage left-back for Ten Hag

He has undergone a successful trial at Old Trafford.

By
Henry Jackson

May 14, 2024

One of his objectives is to restore Carrington as the place for the best young talent in the country, an accolade which currently belongs either to rivals Manchester City or London giants Chelsea.

To achieve this, it is claimed that "United have had a scouting presence at the vast majority of Rigg’s games" across the past two seasons, and are now ready to table a formal offer for the talent this summer, though they will have to wait until he turns 17 in June.

For their part, Sunderland are hoping that "his positive development to this point will persuade him to commit the first part of his professional future to the Black Cats" instead of seeking pastures new, but know that they will not be able to match any offers from bigger sides financially. With that in mind, United could well swoop in.

Arsenal's win over north London rivals Tottenham was extra-special for one lucky supporter.

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• Arsenal beat Tottenham 1-0
• Gabriel scores second half winner
• Fan wins over £6,000 with bet

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Arsenal were not exactly at their best but they won the north London derby at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium thanks to a lone second-half goal by Gabriel, although there were concerns over whether it should have been allowed to stand. The win helped the Gunners win the bragging rights and also helped Mikel Arteta's side keep in touch with Premier League leaders and defending champions Manchester City.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After the match, an Arsenal fan on X with the username @OzBlock108 posted a photo of his wins on a three-legged bet-builder that saw him bag £6,031.89 from a £40 bet. The Gunners fan backed Gabriel to score, Arsenal to win 1-0 and the game to be a draw at half-time, all three of which came to fruition to land the punter's 749/5 bet.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The Arsenal fan also revealed that he was so confident in Gabriel that he captained the Arsenal centre-back in his Fantasy Premier League team.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  Mikel Arteta's side are in action on Thursday when they take on Atalanta in their Champions League league phase opener in Italy.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has already warned Jadon Sancho about the standards expected of him after his arrival from Manchester United.

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• Sancho eager to revive career
• Maresca "loves" winger's style
• Warns him to "work hard"

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Sancho arrived in west London last month on an initial loan deal, with an option for the transfer to become permanent for a reported fee between £20 million (€23m/$26m) and £25m (€29m/$32m) next summer. This price tag is significantly lower than the hefty £73 million ($101m) United paid Borussia Dortmund for the England international just three years ago and if the English winger could do justice to his potential at Stamford Bridge, it would "be a steal" for Chelsea.

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  Despite once being considered one of the most promising talents in European football, Sancho’s time at Old Trafford was marked by inconsistency, and his performances fell well short of expectations. His return to Borussia Dortmund on loan in the latter half of last season offered glimpses of his former self, culminating in an appearance in the Champions League final. And as he embarks on his Chelsea career, Sancho faces the daunting task of securing both his reputation and form.

• WHAT MARESCA SAID

  Maresca has made it clear that he sees potential in the 24-year-old winger but expects him to grind it out at Cobham to earn his starting berth.

  "I love Jadon, I love the players we have. The reason Jadon is here is because I love him, otherwise, he would not be here," Maresca stated. "We have Jadon, Joao [Felix], these kind of players. Before they joined the club, I had a chat with them, and one of my messages to them was if you come here and don’t work properly then you are not going to play. Before they arrived, the message for them was clear. For Jadon. For Joao.

  “But the reason why I’m speaking to you is because I really like you. If you come here in the way that we want, we are happy. But if you come there and don’t work hard, it’s better if you don’t come.”

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Sancho’s struggles at United came to a head last September when he clashed publicly with manager Erik ten Hag. Following this public fallout, Sancho’s involvement at United was limited and his only appearance for the club after the Arsenal incident came in the Community Shield against Manchester City, where he entered the match as a late substitute but failed to make an impact, even missing a penalty in the eventual shootout loss.

  However, Maresca does not want to dwell on the past and said: "I don’t have any idea about what happened with Erik. I can just judge the player in the weeks he has been with us and he has been perfect. I don’t consider Jadon a risk because I consider Jadon as a player who can help us. With the way we play, he is that kind of player to help us a lot, especially in the last third when we arrive there so many times and need more quality, more patience, more accuracy."

Newcastle United have invested heavily in the playing squad over the last couple of seasons, with the signings making a huge impact at St James' Park.

The Magpies finished fourth in the Premier League, qualifying for the group stages of the Champions League – an unimaginable feat given the club were in the Premier League's relegation zone at the time of the PIF takeover.

Players such as Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak have been the most successful additions since their respective £40m and £63m moves – with the latter scoring 19 times in 26 Premier League appearances this season.

However, last summer, the club invested heavily once more as Eddie Howe's side bolstered their ranks, looking to build on the success from the season prior.

Nearly a year on from one player's arrival on Tyneside, the Magpies' talent has struggled to force his way into the first-team and is starting to look like a poor investment for the time being.

Lewis Hall's stats at Newcastle this season

After originally joining the club on loan, it was confirmed that Newcastle would complete the £28m deal to sign full-back Lewis Hall from fellow Premier League side Chelsea.

However, the 19-year-old has struggled to make the impact he would've envisaged at St James' Park, only featuring in 14 Premier League games this season – only four of which have been from the start.

Hall – who ranks in the top 16% among his European peers for touches in the opposition box – is a more attacking option than regular left-back Dan Burn, but Howe has often preferred playing the 6 foot 6 centre-back out of position for his defensive attributes.

The peripheral youngster has only managed to feature for 607 minutes for the Magpies this season, a tally that is 82 minutes less than £55m signing Sandro Tonali, who's been missing since October, after receiving a ten-month suspension for breaching betting rules.

Tonali has also received a further sanction in recent times, after betting on four Newcastle games after his move to Tyneside, which has resulted in a suspended two-month ban and a £20k fine for his troubles.

Despite his absence, the former AC Milan man has still featured more than Hall for Howe's side this season, whilst the 19-year-old's market value has also taken a big hit just months after his big-money move.

Lewis Hall's market value in 2024

Just a couple of months after his £28m move to the club from Chelsea, left-back Hall has seen his market value plummet to just £6.7m, as per Football Transfers.

Undoubtedly, his drop in value is down to his lack of game time under Howe, with the youngster still unable to obtain a run of games in a starting role despite the club's recent injury issues.

The hope will be that the rising star will come good for the Magpies, with Howe claiming he's a signing for the "long-term" but he may not be at the level required down the line should he not consistently feature at St James'.

However, for the time being, it appears the club are being shortchanged for the transfer, with Mauricio Pochettino's side getting the better end of the deal at present.

Newcastle hit the jackpot on warrior whose value has skyrocketed 328%

He’s enjoyed a successful stint in the first-team under Eddie Howe.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 3, 2024