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Joshua Zirkzee: Manchester United reach broad agreement with Bologna striker amid increased optimism over deal | Transfer Centre News

On: July 7, 2024 By: admin

There is increased optimism from all parties that a deal can be finalised for Joshua Zirkzee’s move from Bologna to Manchester United.

Extensive talks have taken place with Zirkzee’s representatives and there is a broad agreement on terms with the player.

As was reported by Sky Sports, United have made it clear they will meet the 23-year-old’s £34m release clause.

Discussions are ongoing internally over whether United will pay the clause in full or negotiate a structure with Bologna.

Zirkzee is with the Netherlands squad at Euro 2024 and made his first appearance of the tournament in Saturday night’s quarter-final win over Turkey, coming on as a late substitute.

Arsenal and AC Milan are also interested in Zirkzee, who has two years left on his contract with Bologna.

Juventus are another club keen on Zirkzee but are currently working on other targets, and they would need to sell a striker to bring one in.

Why is Zirkzee in demand?

Zirkzee graduated through Bayern Munich’s system and had spells with Parma and Anderlecht before joining Bologna in the summer of 2022.

The forward received limited game time in his first campaign in Serie A, scoring only two league goals from 808 minutes.

Last season he scored 11 league goals and the shot map below suggests he is most lethal from the left-of-centre region.

The heat map below also shows how the forward typically plays deeper than a conventional striker.

He also ranks among the top five players in Serie A for creating big chances, attempting dribbles and regaining possession in the final third.

Indeed, the radar graphic below reveals he ranks among the top five per cent across Europe in those three metrics.

When does the summer transfer window close?

The 2024 summer transfer window in the Premier League will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and at midnight in Scotland.

The Premier League has brought forward Deadline Day to link up with the other major leagues in Europe. The closing dates were set following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.

Adam Idah: Celtic make approach to sign Norwich striker on permanent deal | Football News

On: July 3, 2024 By: admin

Celtic have made an approach to sign Adam Idah from Norwich City on a permanent basis this summer.

The striker joined Brendan Rodgers’ side on loan in the winter window and scored nine goals in 19 games – including their Scottish Cup final winner against Rangers – as Celtic added to their Premiership title success.

Sky Sports News revealed in January there was no option-to-buy clause in the loan deal, but, speaking in May, Rodgers made it clear he was keen to keep the 23-year-old at the club this summer.

“He’s been the real catalyst for us,” said Rodgers after their Scottish Cup final win. “I knew what I was getting, he’s fast and dynamic and has strength.

“What he’s shown since coming in is he is a goalscorer. Great headers, great movement in the box.

“He’s been absolutely immense for us and he’s clearly someone I would like to do something with.”

‘Celtic have to keep their best players’

When discussing Celtic’s summer transfer targets, Sky Sports’ Chris Sutton told Sky Sports News last week: “There’s still a lot of work for Celtic to do over the summer, but Brendan Rodgers will feel he’s got his feet under the table again and feel like he’s in a stronger position than he was last season.

“He needs a goalkeeper, Joe Hart was brilliant for three seasons and he will be a big miss and big gloves to fill. That centre-forward position as well. Adam Idah came in January and really did well. I’d be surprised if they weren’t trying to do a deal, but Norwich City with their new manager will want to keep him.

“They certainly need to strengthen in that centre-forward position and hold onto Matt O’Riley as well. If they want to do well in Europe next season they have to hold on to their best players.

“I always think Celtic should do their business early in the transfer window, they dawdled last summer and I just wonder why there is a delay in this transfer window.”

‘A lot of work to be done’

When asked last week if Celtic could make moves for Idah or fellow loanee Paulo Bernardo this summer, assistant John Kennedy told Sky Sports News on Thursday: “Again, there are a lot of conversations taking place as we come back for pre-season and hopefully in the coming weeks some things will start to happen.

“There are a lot of plates spinning and a lot of work to be done.”

When does the summer transfer window close?

The 2024 summer transfer window is now open and will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and at 11.30pm in Scotland.

The Premier League and Scottish Premiership brought forward Deadline Day to link up with the other major leagues in Europe. The closing dates were set following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.

Is Katie Boulter the real deal? British No 1 is ready to embrace Wimbledon spotlight | Tennis News

On: July 2, 2024 By: admin

Is Katie Boulter the real deal? The British No 1 is ready to embrace the Wimbledon spotlight when she opens her campaign against German Tatjana Maria today.

The 27-year-old goes into the tournament as the leading home hope for success in the women’s draw having maintained her upward trajectory for more than a year.

Boulter made a big breakthrough by winning her first WTA Tour title in Nottingham last June and has followed that up with a bigger crown in San Diego and then a successful defence of the tournament that takes place only a few miles from her home in Leicestershire.

She is seeded for the first time at Wimbledon as the world No 32 and is a clear British No 1.

Boulter has reached the third round at Wimbledon the last two years, but her hopes of going further this time have certainly been helped by being seeded.

Last year, she needed a wild card just to get into the main draw, which shows the speed of her rise.

“It feels really good,” she said. “It’s been a goal of mine to be in Wimbledon, seeded, with my team for a long time. Naturally I want to be playing these tournaments on my own ranking, I don’t want to be taking wild cards if I can help it.

“Also being seeded, it’s a moment for me to show the dedication I’ve put in these last few years. I think that’s a little pat on the back for me. I feel very proud to have that number, I’m striving for more but I’m happy at the moment with where I’m at.”

First up Boulter faces Maria, a mother of two who had a surprise run to the semi-finals two years ago.

Boulter has no plans yet to follow in Maria’s footsteps, but said: “I have huge respect for what she’s done.

“I see her kids around a lot in the players’ lounge, they’re super cute, they’re proper into tennis, which is really nice to see as well. The fact that she can come back and be so resilient, I think that’s so impressive, and just her love for the game.

“What she’s done, I can draw on that. I’m not entirely sure if I’m going to have kids and come back, I really don’t know, I think that’s a very personal decision and a decision I’ll make later on in life.”

Sky Sports’ Robson on Boulter’s hopes

“The difference in the last 12 months is crazy. Breaking into the top 100 last year when she won Nottingham and being seeded now is a huge jump and she’s buzzing,” said Laura Robson, who reached the fourth round at Wimbledon in 2013.

“It’s all this hard work she has put in in the past which has got her to this point. She’s worked so hard on her mentality and her physical performance, and has improved just about everything in that game, so deserves to be seeded and have that reward.

“She was hoping other people didn’t do well in tournaments because she’s the last seeded at No 32 and it’s fingers crossed she would make it, but she did make it and it’s a nice bonus.”

Ann Jones (1969) and Virginia Wade (1977) are the only two players from Britain to reach the women’s singles final at Wimbledon.

What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?

In the run-up to the final Grand Slam of 2024 – the US Open – you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the hard-court season.

Hamburg Open (ATP 500) 15-21 July
Newport Hall of Fame Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
Swiss Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
Bastad Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
Palermo Ladies Open (WTA 250) 15-21 July
Hungarian Grand Prix (WTA 250) 15-21 July
Prague Open (WTA 250) 21-26 July

Watch the WTA and ATP Tours throughout 2024 on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.

Dan Ashworth: Manchester United agree deal to hire Newcastle sporting director | Football News

On: July 1, 2024 By: admin

Manchester United have reached a deal with Newcastle to hire their sporting director Dan Ashworth.

The 53-year-old will commence his new role at Old Trafford with immediate effect.

Newcastle initially were demanding £20m compensation for the former FA Technical Director, with Man Utd looking to pay a fraction of that, but a compromise has been reached in the last few days.

The deal also helped Newcastle comply with Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) this month. Ashworth has been on gardening leave at Newcastle since February.

The hiring of Ashworth is the latest hierarchical hire done by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the new INEOS minority investors since they took over the club.

Omar Berrada joined from Manchester City as United’s new chief executive, while Jason Wilcox arrived as new academy director from Southampton.

Why did Man Utd go for Dan Ashworth?

Sky Sports News senior reporter Melissa Reddy:

“It’s unsurprising that Man Utd have chosen him to take over at as sporting director under INEOS who are looking to reshape their football operations at the club.

“Ashworth’s pedigree and esteem are well-known in the game. He is widely regarded as one of the best operators in Europe and actually the best in England given his body of work.

“You stretch back to his time at West Brom. There he delivered two promotions and a top-half Premier League finish. His work was so promising that he got poached by the England FA.

“There for the national team, he introduced an element that is seen as one of the key factors of their continued success, even now, and that’s the England DNA. A defined way of playing across all age groups.

“We saw the impact of that at the 2018 World Cup and after that tournament, Ashworth left the FA and was poached by Brighton, who wanted him to be in charge of remodelling them and securing their status as a Premier League club.

“He did more than that – he helped them become one of the best-run clubs in the world. Their recruitment model is the envy of clubs the world over.

“That attracted the PIF-powered Newcastle. Even though they have spent a lot, they have spent quite smartly under his watch and he has modernised a lot of their operations.”

When does the summer transfer window open and close?

The 2024 summer transfer window in the Premier League and Scottish Premiership is officially open.

The window will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and at 11.30pm in Scotland.

Archie Gray: Brentford agree fee for Leeds’ 18-year-old midfielder in deal worth potential £40m | Football News

On: June 30, 2024 By: admin

Brentford are closing in on the signing of Leeds midfielder Archie Gray.

They have agreed an initial £35m fee for the 18-year-old, and he has been given permission to undergo a medical.

The deal could eventually be worth £40m if bonuses are met.

However, sources have indicated there is still work to do to finalise his arrival at Brentford, and other clubs remain interested in the player.

Gray has enjoyed a breakout season at Elland Road, making 52 appearances in all competitions as the Whites lost the Championship play-off final to Southampton – a game where he played the full 90 minutes.

He is the son of former Nottingham Forest, Leeds and Burnley striker Andy Gray, and first featured in a first-team squad three months before his 16th birthday, when he was named on the bench for a Premier League game with Arsenal in December 2021.

What does the data say Brentford need this summer?

Sky Sports statistician Paul Harrison:

“Last season was Brentford’s lowest finish (16th) and points total of their three Premier League campaigns (39) – they won just five of their final 24 league games.

“For the first half of the season, they caught a glimpse of life without talisman Ivan Toney – something likely to become a permanent feature this summer with only one year left on his contract.

“Thomas Frank has acted fast with the signing of Brazilian striker Igor Thiago being confirmed in February. Only Kevin Denkey scored more league goals in Belgium’s top tier this season than Thiago, whose conversion rate was nearly three times that of his potential predecessor.”

The 2024 summer transfer window in the Premier League and Scottish Premiership is officially open.

The window will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and at 11.30pm in Scotland.

Follow the summer transfer window with Sky Sports

Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News.

Man Utd could use Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka in Jarred Branthwaite swap deal – Paper Talk | Football News

On: June 26, 2024 By: admin

The top stories and transfer rumours from Thursday’s newspapers…

DAILY MIRROR

Manchester United are attempting to offload Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka as potential makeweights to land Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite in a transfer swap.

Manchester United are prepared to welcome Mason Greenwood back for pre-season training – if they fail to sell their exiled striker within the next fortnight.

THE SUN

Basketball star Shaquille O’Neal is in talks about taking a stake in West Ham United.

Harry Maguire is among four Manchester United players set to be offered contract extensions this summer, according to reports.

Newcastle star Yankuba Minteh is refusing to join Lyon. The dramatic development could cause the Toon huge financial problems ahead of this week’s Profit and Sustainability deadline on 30 June.

DAILY MAIL

Chelsea have made an enquiry about Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.

INEOS, owned by Manchester United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, have reportedly hired a lawyer to plead their case before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, after UEFA blocked their attempts to sign Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.

Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby is attracting fresh interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) have urged Ineos to consult with fans over the “highly emotive” issue of a potential stadium naming rights deal.

THE GUARDIAN

Newcastle will do everything in their power to keep Alexander Isak on Tyneside and have let Chelsea and Arsenal know that it would take an astronomical offer to alter that stance.

THE TIMES

Tottenham Hotspur have offered Aston Villa £20m for Jacob Ramsey in a deal that would involve Giovani Lo Celso moving in the opposite direction.

West Ham United have revived their interest in signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is among the versatile right-backs on their shortlist.

England fans have been singled out yet again for special measures, with organisers planning to serve only low-alcohol beer for Sunday’s round-of-16 encounter in Gelsenkirchen.

THE ATHLETIC

Manchester United are considering selling the naming rights to a refurbished Old Trafford or a newly-built stadium as part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe seeks to drive up revenues to fund the project, while the club is also deliberating over substantial ticket price rises.

Ipswich Town and Hull City are now engaged in active negotiations over the transfer of Jacob Greaves, although an agreement is yet to be reached.

Iliman Ndiaye is set to undergo a medical with Everton ahead of his £15m (€17.7m) transfer from Marseille.

Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto is negotiating with other clubs ahead of the expiration of his contract at the end of the month.

DAILY RECORD

Rangers’ home fixtures will not be reversed to away games during the Ibrox lockout at the start of the campaign as the SPFL prepare to unveil the fixture list on Thursday.

When does the summer transfer window open and close?

The 2024 summer transfer window in the Premier League and Scottish Premiership is officially open.

The window will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and at 11.30pm in Scotland.

Tony Docherty: Dundee boss signs new deal after impressive debut season | Football News

On: June 25, 2024 By: admin

Dundee manager Tony Docherty has signed a contract extension after an impressive debut season at Dens Park.

The 53-year-old joined the club last summer, taking his first management job after being current Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes’ long-time assistant.

He led them to their first top-six finish in the Scottish Premiership for nine years, securing a return to European football.

Docherty’s success saw him nominated for PFA Scotland and Scottish Football Writers’ manager of the year awards.

“I am excited to have signed a new deal with the club and I’m quite humbled that the club approached me for a contract extension,” said Docherty.

“My ambitions are matched by the ambitions of the club, we want to take the success of last season and to improve us and make us even better.

“I’m delighted that I’ve got the opportunity to work at such a brilliant club and I want to progress the club further.

“I want to highlight the fantastic staff that I’ve got here at the club, every single one of them works so hard every day to make sure we are at our best, they played such a big part in the success we had last season.

“I said last season that one of my most important signings was Stuart Taylor, my assistant manager, who I brought in and he has had such an influence on the team. I’ve also had great support from upstairs from John [Nelms] and Gordon [Strachan] and I am really excited with the direction the club is going in.

“Everybody at the club is on the same page, we all want to improve and develop and be better than we were before.

“To the Dundee supporters, I would like to thank them all for all the support they have given me and the players since I’ve been manager. They were such an important part of what we achieved last season, but I believe it’s just the start of things.

“The fans are pivotal to any success that we are going to have at this club and we saw that last season. I would just like to urge them to get behind us once again as much as they can and help us prove that last season was not just a flash in the pan and we can build on what we achieved last campaign.”

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Aston Villa transfer news: Villa agree deal with Chelsea for Ian Maatsen | Football News

On: June 19, 2024 By: admin

Aston Villa have agreed a deal with Chelsea for left-back Ian Maatsen.

The fee for the 22-year-old is understood to be to be between £35m and £40m and it will rise with add-ons.

Maatsen will sign a six-year deal at Villa Park with personal terms not expected to be an issue.

Maatsen had a £35m release clause.

Borussia Dortmund were keen on signing the left-back on a permanent deal after his successful loan spell at the Bundesliga club last season.

He made 16 Bundesliga appearances for Dortmund, scoring two goals, and featured seven times for the German club in the Champions League, finding the net once.

However, as it stands, last season’s Champions League runners-up are unable to meet the release clause in Maatsen’s contract.

More to follow…

When does the summer transfer window open and close?

The 2024 summer transfer window in the Premier League and Scottish Premiership is officially open.

The window will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and at 11.30pm in Scotland.

Rangers agree deal to sign defender Clinton Nsiala from AC Milan | Football News

On: June 10, 2024 By: admin

Rangers have agreed a deal to sign Clinton Nsiala from AC Milan.

The 20-year-old French defender will become the club’s third signing this summer when he joins officially on July 1.

Rangers have already signed Brazilian full back Jefte and extended the loan of Oscar Cortes with an obligation to buy.

The Ibrox side are expected to make several additions this summer as manager Philippe Clement rebuilds the squad following Celtic’s title win last season.

Rangers director of recruitment Nils Koppen said: “We are excited to add a talented young player in Clinton to the squad.

“He joins as an exciting talent who we believe can develop and take his next steps under our manager, Philippe Clement, and his staff.

“We look forward to welcoming Clinton to Glasgow as we continue to shape the squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.”

The 2024 summer transfer window in the Premier League officially opens on Friday June 14 – the same day that Euro 2024 starts.

The window will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and at midnight in Scotland.

David Gray named Hibernian head coach on three-year deal | Football News

On: June 6, 2024 By: admin

Hibernian’s Scottish Cup-winning captain David Gray has been appointed as the club’s new head coach on a three-year deal.

The 36-year-old was in his fourth stint as temporary boss after replacing Nick Montgomery who was sacked last month and led the club to a 3-0 win over Motherwell before a 1-1 draw against Livingston.

Gray, who retired from playing three years ago to focus on coaching, became a club legend when he scored the winner against Rangers in 2016 to end their 114-year wait to lift the Scottish Cup.

He first took interim charge after Jack Ross was dismissed in 2021 and again when his replacement Shaun Maloney was sacked four months later.

Gray – who then stepped up again following Lee Johnson’s dismissal – will work under the Easter Road club’s new sporting director Malky Mackay who led the search for Hibs’ sixth permanent boss since November 2019.

“It is a real privilege for me to become the head coach of this great football club,” said Gray.

“Everyone knows how much Hibs means to me. It is a massive club with a phenomenal fanbase, that I know very well – so to be given this opportunity is a true honour.

“From being here as a player and a coach for over 10 years, I know what a successful Hibs team looks like and I am determined to succeed and take our club forward.”

Since taking over at Hibernian, the Gordon family have sacked Paul Heckingbottom, Ross, Maloney, Johnson and Montgomery in less than five years.

On the appointment of David Gray, Mackay said: “Following a robust recruitment process, David emerged as our preferred candidate and we are delighted to have him on board.

“Having watched his progression closely over a number of years, David’s ready to step up and become Hibernian FC’s Head Coach.

“David understands the pressures and demands that come with a club like Hibs, knows Scottish football inside out, is an excellent coach and a strong man manager.

“He already has good relationships with the current playing squad and members of staff both at HTC and Easter Road, which provides an element of stability, and we know he’s the right man for the job.”

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