eveningstandard--2019-03-21--Euro 2020 qualifiers on TV tonight How to watch every international game - live stream and UK chann

Euro 2020 qualifiers on TV tonight: How to watch every international game - live stream and UK channel info

International football returns this week as the Euro 2020 qualifying process gets underway for next summer's finals.  England fans will be dreaming of a first major triumph since 1966 after last summer's near miss at the World Cup, and the Three Lions kick off their qualifying campaign with a double-header against Czech Republic and Montenegro.  The rest of the Home Nations are all in action too, with Wales - who reached the Euro 2016 semi-finals - Scotland and Northern Ireland all hoping to mark a strong start on a potential road to glory.  England's qualifiers will be shown live on free-to-air television on ITV and online via the ITV Hub. Sky Sports subscribers can watch every other match on TV and stream the games online via SkyGo and the SkyGo app.  Select matches will be shown available via Now TV with a day pass on offer for £8.99. If you buy a weekly pass for £14.99 on Wednesday, 20 March, that will cover the full international break with unlimited access to 10 Sky Sports channels as well.


eveningstandard--2019-04-23--Tottenham vs Brighton Premier League 2019 prediction lineups odds live stream TV channel ticke

Tottenham vs Brighton: Premier League 2019 prediction, lineups, odds, live stream, TV channel, tickets, h2h

Tottenham took a significant step forward in the battle for the Premier League’s top four thanks to an 88th-minute winner against a dogged, defensive and determined Brighton.  After their top-four rivals had all faltered over the Easter weekend, Mauricio Pochettino’s side had the chance to move clear of those in the chasing pack against a team without a win in six matches who had not scored a goal in 570 minutes of top-flight football.  Having ended a five-matching losing run at Wolves over the weekend, Brighton put on another unrelenting defensive performance before Christian Eriksen finally sent Spurs clear in the race for the top four with his late strike from range.  The south coast side, with just three points keeping them from the final relegation spot, sat deep and invited Spurs to break them down, Fernando Llorente left to battle Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk in the middle with both Heung-min Son and Lucas Moura stretching from either flank.  Back-to-back Brighton corners aside, after Victor Wanyama lashed the ball over, Tottenham were well in control, but had to wait until the 20th minute for a first clear-cut chance as Dunk threw himself in front of Jan Vertonghen’s close-range effort in the scramble after Eriksen’s low free-kick was hooked clear.  Chris Hughton’s side were sinking deeper with every minute that passed and Spurs were struggling to find clear passage, Vertonghen often found floating on the edge of the Brighton area.  They finally began to create some openings after Lucas made his way over to the left flank, the Brazilian causing relentless problems for Martin Montoya and fizzing an effort under Mat Ryan which Dunk was forced to clear just yards from goal, though it was perhaps destined to sneak just past the far post.  Danny Rose and Dele Alli too found spaces beyond the Brighton right-back and an opener seemed inevitable. It almost came at the other end, however.  Florin Andone, leading the line for Brighton and just booked for a challenge on Rose midway inside the visitors' half, found the space to break and charged towards Hugo Lloris, only to see roles reversed as Rose flew in to win the ball and earn raucous applause from the home support.  Andone was arguably lucky not to receive a second yellow card moments later following a trip on Son back in his own half.  He stayed put, however, and continued to sit at the front of Brighton’s green bus, again defiant when Kieran Trippier’s looping ball was majestically brought under control by Alli before Ryan got a hand to his poked effort allowing time for Duffy to clear on the line.  Tottenham had not played out a goalless draw in 67 previous games, and Pochettino’s side ramped things up a little after the restart. Passes were shorter and quicker but still Brighton held on, Eriksen restricted to sending an effort over the bar and into the looming 17,500-seat South Stand.  Rose had found himself in space down the left on a couple of occasions but could not bring the ball under control. At the third attempt, the England full-back cut inside and whipped a wicked right-footed effort towards Ryan who reacted sharply to beat the strike clear.  Spurs inched closer and closer, all 11 Brighton shirts crammed into their own defensive third before Toby Alderweireld thought he had found the breakthrough. The Belgian swivelled and sent a low effort onto the foot of the right-hand post only to watch as it agonisingly rebounded across the face of the goal and past the other upright. Still no way through.  Hughton sent on Glenn Murray and Solly March, offering little more than an illusion that Brighton were going to look for a goal, though Pochettino had limited options on the bench.  Vincent Janssen’s half-hearted warm-ups suggested that perhaps even the Dutchman doubted that he would get a chance, but as the only attacking option at his manager’s disposal, on he went, a first Tottenham appearance since August 2017, their maiden Premier League game at Wembley.  It was almost a dream return. Eriksen cracked a low effort through the Brighton defence, Ryan parried to the feet of Janssen before it was clipped away at the last second.  Tottenham could still find no way through and were restricted to further efforts from range. The hosts had racked up 20 shots from outside the box, their most in just over four years, before, finally, the 21st shattered the nerves and frustration inside Spurs’ new home.  Eriksen found himself again in the spot which had almost offered Janssen a chance, and again with no other option but to shoot through a gaggle of Brighton bodies.  He whipped another strike low and to Ryan’s left, but this time the Australian could not get down to it and the Dane wheeled away, Tottenham a step closer to a fourth consecutive season in Europe’s premier club competition.  They will now relish a London derby with West Ham to keep their 100 per cent record at the new stadium intact.  Relive all the action with Standard Sport!  Can't see the blog? Click here for the desktop version.


eveningstandard--2019-05-31--Champions League Final 2019 - LIVE Tottenham vs Liverpool latest team news and predicted lineups in

Champions League Final 2019 - LIVE! Tottenham vs Liverpool latest team news and predicted lineups in Madrid

Tottenham and Liverpool have a date with destiny as the English rivals prepare for Saturday's Champions League Final in Madrid.  Mauricio Pochettino and Jurgen Klopp guided their teams through two extraordinary semi-final ties, and are both one win from sporting immortality.  The Champions League trophy will definitely be heading back to England this year, with the biggest prize in European club football set to reside at either Tottenham Hotspur Stadium or Anfield next season.  Liverpool are seeking their sixth European Cup success, and the nature of their semi-final victory over Barcelona - a thrilling 4-0 win on Merseyside wiping out a 3-0 loss at Camp Nou - coupled with their status as Premier League runners-up marks them out as favourites in the Spanish capital.  However, Spurs have shown time and again this term that they are not to be written off, with Pochettino's team seeing off the likes of Manchester City and Ajax in dramatic circumstances to reach the Wanda Metropolitano showpiece clash.  Standard Sport will be bringing you the latest team news, build-up and predictions from Madrid, with expert analysis from David Lynch, James Olley and Dan Kilpatrick on the night.  Follow all the latest news from Madrid with Standard Sport!  Can't see the Champions League Final 2019 - LIVE blog? Click here for the desktop version.


eveningstandard--2019-08-08--Chelsea transfer ban has given Frank Lampard chance to change club culture says Joe Cole

Chelsea transfer ban has given Frank Lampard chance to change club culture, says Joe Cole

Joe Cole believes Chelsea’s transfer ban has given them “a moment in time to change the culture of the club” and says there is nobody better to lead the transformation than Frank Lampard.  The Blues cannot register new players until the summer of 2020 after Fifa found them guilty of breaching regulations over the signing of underage players. That has left new boss Lampard’s hands tied in his first transfer window, with Christian Pulisic the only new arrival after his move from Borussia Dortmund was agreed in January, although Mateo Kovacic has also joined on a permanent basis after a season on loan from Real Madrid.  For so long big spenders, Lampard’s Chelsea look set to place greater trust in home-grown talent, not something they have been renowned for doing.  And Cole, 37, who works as a coach with the Blues’ academy, says circumstance and the change of manager have galvanised the club.  “It’s an opportunity,” Cole told Standard Sport. “No one would have chosen to have a transfer ban, but what this has done is give us a moment in time and an opportunity to change the culture and the energy and how the club is perceived. The young players are excited — there’s an excitement in the club that I’ve not sensed before.  “The club has been exceptional over the past 20 years, particularly since Roman Abramovich [bought the Blues in 2003], it’s been the most successful club in the country in terms of winning trophies. I think we need to recognise that, but if you’re going to catch Manchester City, you need more. More cohesion, [to be] more settled, everything around the club — and I think Frank’s the man to bring that.”  Cole’s role sees him working part-time with youngsters at the club where he won three League titles in the early days of the Abramovich era, as he looks to gradually build up his coaching experience. By contrast, Lampard has just one season in management, in the Championship with Derby, where he can look back on a promising first season.  He guided Derby into the play-offs and masterminded the highlight of their season, a 4-2 victory at Elland Road in the second leg of the semi-final against Leeds, which booked a place at Wembley against Aston Villa.  That match turned out to be Lampard’s last at Derby: the Rams were beaten 2-1, denying them a return to the top flight, and Lampard returned to Stamford Bridge to replace Maurizio Sarri, who was hired by Juventus after a single season in English football.  Lampard had a stellar playing career at Chelsea, scoring a club-record 211 goals during his 13 seasons there. Because of his lack of management experience, there was some surprise when he was appointed, but Cole has no fear that the job may have come too soon for his former team-mate.  “He knows the time is right,” Cole said. “People say you can’t turn it down. You can turn it down, there’s always an option. He could have said no. He feels he’s ready and, having known Frank for many years, if he’s ready, he’s ready. It’ll be a success. In everything he’s done he’s been successful. I can’t see there being anyone better qualified to manage Chelsea at this time.”  Among the young English players to have impressed in pre-season under Lampard are attacking midfielders Ross Barkley and Mason Mount.  Barkley has yet to find his best form consistently for Chelsea, even though he showed flashes of it under Sarri after being frozen out by his predecessor, Antonio Conte.  Much is expected of Mount, who joined Lampard at Derby last season on a year’s loan.  He did well enough there to earn a new five-year deal at Stamford Bridge and he will be pushing for regular action this term.  Cole was considered a rare technically-gifted talent during his England days, but believes the Chelsea duo are part of a whole crop of players battling to start Euro 2020 as the creative driving force in England manager Gareth Southgate’s midfield.  “You’ve got [Phil] Foden, [James] Maddison, Barkley, [Jack] Grealish — Mason Mount I’d throw into that,” he said. “We’ve never had so many players, number 10s, who can handle the ball. If I’m one of that group, I’m thinking, ‘Right, I want to be the premier young attacking midfielder in this country’, to ensure I’m on that plane to the Euros. I love watching them play, I think they’re exceptional. It’ll be interesting to see which one gets the nod in the England squad.”  Away from his coaching role, Cole has been working with broadcaster BT Sport as they attempt to predict the new season with their big data project ‘The Script’.  While Cole agrees with the algorithms that have forecast another top four finish for Chelsea, he is at odds with the project’s claim that no English side will reach the last four of the Champions League, after two made the final last season.  “I can see the top four the same as last year,” Cole said. “It's gonna be very close, I'm sure you don't need a database or a script to know that the Premier League's very close. It's the most exciting thrilling league in the world.  “But you go and tell the Chelsea fans, the Liverpool fans, the Man City fans, the Tottenham fans, that they're not going to get nowhere [in Europe], they'll tell you you're mad.  “That's how competitive our league is. Every one of those teams genuinely believe they can win the Champions League, and rightly so.”  Joe Cole was speaking on behalf of BT Sport. With 52 Premier League games, action from the Emirates FA Cup and FA Women’s Super League and with every UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League game, BT Sport is gearing up for its biggest season yet.


eveningstandard--2019-08-09--Transfer news LIVE Man Utd ruined Tottenham Dybala deal Chelsea want 80m Zaha Luiz to Arsenal re

Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd ruined Tottenham Dybala deal, Chelsea want £80m Zaha, Luiz to Arsenal reaction

Eriksen's route from Tottenham to Spain looks blocked  Christian Eriksen's hopes of moving from Tottenham to Madrid look diminished as both Real Madrid and Atletico have other priorities in the last three weeks of the Spanish transfer window, writes Ben Hayward.  The midfielder, who rejected a transfer to Manchester United this week as he holds out for a move to Spain, still looks likely to leave as the European window remains open until the end of August.  Eriksen has one year left on his contract and Spurs are not prepared to let the Dane leave for free next summer, while the player favours a lifestyle choice and is keen on a move to Spain.  But Real Madrid are in the market for a more mobile midfielder after their troubles in pre-season, which has featured three defeats and 16 goals conceded.  Manchester United’s Paul Pogba remains their top target, but Ajax’s Donny van de Beek has overtaken Eriksen in the club’s list of priorities this summer, with the Dane all but ruled out at this stage.  Atletico, meanwhile, are still hoping to sign playmaker James Rodriguez from Madrid for a fee of around €50million.  Real do not want to sell James to Atletico, but Los Blancos need to raise funds from somewhere in order to make another signing this summer and the player is keen to stay in Madrid.  Personal terms have been agreed and the move only needs the green light from Madrid president Florentino Perez, who initially blocked the deal after the 7-3 loss to Atleti in New Jersey last month and in light of Marco Asensio's long-term injury.  Atletico sporting director Andrea Berta is an admirer of Eriksen and the Dane has emerged as a possible alternative to James, but the Rojiblancos’ interest in the latter is not limited solely to football.  Rodriguez, an €80m signing for Real Madrid from Monaco in 2014, is the world’s fourth-most marketable footballer – after Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar – and Atletico are keen to tap into his huge following in South America.  Standard Sport understands Atletico’s interest is more about merchandising, shirt sales and brand value than what the Colombian can bring on the pitch and it is difficult to see how he could fit into Diego Simeone’s system, where €120m summer signing Joao Felix is expected to be a fixture behind strikers Diego Costa and Alvaro Morata.  That would explain why Atleti are focused on James alone. “Our team is competitive for La Liga, the Champions League and all the competitions we will take part in,” president Enrique Cerezo told radio station Kiss Kiss Napoli this week. “Our squad is closed, but you never know.”  Eriksen’s brand value is nowhere near James’ reach. The Dane has 1.5m followers on Instagram, compared to the Colombian’s 42.7m. Rodriguez is a huge star in his homeland, a football-mad nation with a population of almost 50 million, and across South America.  If Atleti’s move for James is frustrated, the Rojiblancos are expected to stick with what they have this summer.  Meanwhile, Real are looking at other targets, Barcelona are not interested in signing Eriksen due to a surplus of midfielders at Camp Nou already and no either side from LaLiga could afford to bring in the Dane.  Priorities may change and there are still three weeks left, but as things stand, a route to Spain currently looks to be blocked for the Tottenham playmaker.


eveningstandard--2019-08-13--Man City avoid transfer ban Fifa fines club 314650 for breaching rules on transfer of minors

Man City avoid transfer ban: Fifa fines club £314,650 for breaching rules on transfer of minors

Manchester City have avoided the threat of a Fifa transfer ban for breaching rules regarding the transfer of minors, with world football's governing body instead imposing a fine of over £314,000 on the club.  City have been fined 370,000 Swiss francs (£314,650) for breaches relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18.  Fifa's decision comes as a huge boost to City, who will now be able to plan ahead in the transfer market without the prospect of a potential ban on signing players.  A Fifa statement read: "The Fifa Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned English club Manchester City FC for breaches relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18.  "Manchester City FC was found to have breached, amongst others, article 19 of the Fifa Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.  "The Disciplinary Committee took into account the fact that Manchester City FC accepted its responsibility and sanctioned the club with a fine of CHF 370,000.  "The protection of minors is a key element in Fifa’s overall regulatory framework relating to the transfer of players, and the effective enforcement of these rules is paramount, as has also been confirmed on various occasions by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.  "The decision issued by the Disciplinary Committee was notified today."  Man City duly released a statement which read: "Manchester City FC can confirm that it has today received a reprimand and a CHF 370,000 fine following the decision of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee concerning the international transfer of players under the age of 18, particularly in relation to their trial periods and participation in friendly games.  "The Club accepts responsibility for the breaches which arose as a result of misinterpretation of the regulations in question. All of the breaches occurred before December 2016 when guidance on the interpretation of the provisions was issued, since which date Manchester City has been fully compliant.  "The Club regards highly and shares Fifa's determination to ensure the protection of minors in football and has cooperated fully with the investigation which has been transparent and evidenced based at all times."  City are not the first club to have been found in breach of article 19 in recent years.  Barcelona were hit with a transfer ban in 2014 after being found to have violated Fifa's rules, while Chelsea are currently serving a two-window ban on registerting players until 2020 as a result of breaking rules on signing foreign under-18 players.  Fifa has been investigating City's international transfers for several years, although the club were cleared of breaking the rules when they signed Benjamin Garre from Velez Sarsfield in 2016 just after the Argentinian midfielder's 16th birthday.  Last year, two players from Ghana's Right to Dream football academy, Sierra Leone's George Davies and Ghanaian Dominic Oduro, told Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten that they signed for City and played in youth matches before they turned 18.  Both have since left City but Fifa has been investigating their time with the English club.  In regards to international transfers of players aged under 18, they are only allowed in three circumstances: the players' parents have moved to the new country for non-footballing reasons, they and the club are based close to the relevant national border or the transfer takes place within the European Economic Area and the player is at least 16.  As well as Chelsea, Spanish trio Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid have all been punished for signing underage players from abroad in the past.  Real were able to get their ban reduced on appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport - an avenue Chelsea have explored.


eveningstandard--2019-08-19--Barcelona bought Coutinho to succeed Neymar and Andres Iniesta but he suffered same fate as Zlatan

Barcelona bought Coutinho to succeed Neymar and Andres Iniesta, but he suffered same fate as Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Philippe Coutinho has left Barcelona on loan to join Bayern Munich, just 18 months after becoming the most expensive signing in the history of the Catalan club.  Needless to say, things have not gone as hoped for the player at Camp Nou. Coutinho was signed from Liverpool for €120 million plus a possible €40m in add-ons. He was seen by Barca as an heir to both Neymar and Andres Iniesta, but turned out to be neither.  The first six months had been promising. Coutinho was unable to play in the Champions League because he had participated in the competition with Liverpool, but he scored 11 goals in the second half of the season.  Those included a hat-trick in the 5-4 loss against Levante, Barcelona's only defeat in La Liga in 2017-18, which had come as Lionel Messi was rested. It may be his best performance for the club.  Coutinho was used in a number of different positions at Barca, but never made any of them his own. His finest football came when Messi was not there: he wanted to occupy the central playmaking position; he wanted to be a no. 10. Instead, his inclusion often made it look like the Catalans were playing with 10.  But when your no. 10 is the world's best player, perhaps history's finest footballer, that is never going to work.  Barca boss Ernesto Valverde tried Coutinho in midfield, but did not trust the Brazilian to play in that position as he shirked his defensive duties. And further forward, he just seemed to slow the team down.  In that respect, he was reminiscent of another illustrious Barca signing: Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Coutinho, like the Sweden striker before him, had memorable moments at Barca.  Highlights included an assist for Luis Suarez in the Copa del Rey final win against Sevilla in 2018 and a penalty to round off the 5-0 win, plus that brilliant curler against Manchester United in the Champions League quarter-final second leg at Camp Nou last season. But as with Ibrahimovic, Barca often seemed static and predictable when he was on the pitch.  Ultimately, his sale strengthened Liverpool and weakened Barcelona. In a way, it was key to the Reds' Champions League win last term. As so often, Coutinho was a passive figure that evening and Barca were overrun in midfield. Afterwards, even Valverde admitted he had only started because Ousmane Dembele was out injured.  Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp had used the funds from the Brazilian's sale to bring in both Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker, those two absolutely key to last season's success in Europe and also that historic victory at Anfield.  Ineffective again as Barca lost the Copa del Rey final to Valencia, Coutinho's career at Camp Nou was over. Barcelona have since spent the summer offering their record signing around Europe to anyone who would listen and attempting to use him as a pawn in a deal to bring back Neymar, the player he was supposed to replace.  The fact he has opted to join Bayern Munich may complicate a move for Neymar, but Barca are just relieved to remove the 27-year-old's €12m-per-season salary from their huge wage bill at this point. And as he has not made 100 appearances for the Catalan club, Standard Sport understands they will not be liable to pay €20m of the variables agreed with Liverpool as part of his transfer last January.  Bayern have agreed a season-long loan and although the Bundesliga giants have an option to make the transfer permanent next summer, they are not obliged to buy Coutinho. But as with James Rodriguez and his two-year spell at the Allianz Arena from Real Madrid, this could help to increase interest in a sale in 2020.  Whatever happens, it is all a little disappointing for a player brought in as an heir to Iniesta and Neymar, but who turned out to be neither, and never really adapted to playing alongside Messi at Barcelona.  A better coach than Valverde might have been able to make it work and if he returns and the 55-year-old leaves next summer, that may yet happen. But the signs are that Coutinho was probably not really right for Barca in the first place and ultimately that says little for the scattergun approach to transfers at the Catalan club in recent seasons.


bbc--2019-01-09--Bayern Munich to sign Benjamin Pavard from Stuttgart

Bayern Munich will sign defender Benjamin Pavard from fellow German club Stuttgart in July.  The 22-year-old France international will sign a five-year deal with the Bundesliga champions.  "We're delighted and proud to be able to secure the services of a player like him," said Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic.  Pavard helped his country win the 2018 World Cup in Russia and scored goal of the tournament, against Argentina.  Bayern are in Doha at a winter training camp during a winter break and return to action on 18 January at Hoffenheim.  They are second in the Bundesliga, six points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund, and face Liverpool in the last 16 of the Champions League.  Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.


bbc--2019-01-10--Aaron Ramsey Juventus leading race to sign Arsenal and Wales midfielder

Aaron Ramsey: Juventus leading race to sign Arsenal and Wales midfielder

Juventus are leading the race to sign Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey when his contract expires at the end of the season.  The 28-year-old's current preference is to join the Italian champions but, contrary to some reports, he has yet to make a final decision and will continue to consider offers from a number of Europe's leading clubs.  The likelihood is Ramsey's next club, with no transfer fee to pay, will make him the best-paid British player of all time.  It is understood his boyhood dream was to play for Barcelona but despite preliminary talks that option will not be pursued.  An offer from Paris St-Germain is thought to carry great appeal, while there is also interest from Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.  Madrid forward Gareth Bale is understood to have encouraged his Wales team-mate to link up with him in Spain.  There have been enquiries from English sides and if Ramsey was to remain in the Premier League he would favour a move to Liverpool.  However, although there is still a possibility the situation might change, it is almost certain the former Cardiff player will go abroad.  Once Ramsey's choice is made, he is expected to sign a pre-contract agreement and undergo a medical this month.  He will complete the campaign with Arsenal prior to leaving as a free agent in the summer.  He will not be signing a new deal with Arsenal after the Gunners withdrew a fresh four-year offer in September for football and financial reasons.  The two parties were close to finalising an agreement but no physical contract was on the table when the club decided to pull out.  Ramsey was said to be keen to stay yet grew frustrated with the protracted process and, by the end, there were doubts over whether he would have put pen to paper.  Ultimately Arsenal were not prepared to meet his salary demands, with some among the hierarchy regretting the new deal given to Mesut Ozil a year ago, worth £350,000 per week, and determined to avoid a repeat.  Meanwhile, head coach Unai Emery had reservations about Ramsey's role in his squad.  Soon after Emery was appointed last summer, it was reported he wanted to build the team around Arsenal's longest-serving player, who was named as one of five captains for this season.  But it became clear that Ramsey's desire to play as a number eight, running on to the ball from an advanced central midfield position, clashed with Emery's vision.  Emery does not usually deploy a number eight, meaning the Welshman has mainly been used in a strict deeper role without license to roam or in the number 10 position with his back to goal.  That partly explains why Ramsey's game time has been limited and is among the factors attracting him to Juventus, where manager Massimiliano Allegri tends to operate with a three-man midfield.  Arsenal boss Emery praised the midfielder's attitude on Thursday, saying: "Every day he's here with us, he's working very well.  "In the last match I was very happy with him. I asked in the last match at Blackpool if he is OK to help us play and he said, 'Yeah, coach, I want to play' and he played with a very big behaviour and commitment to us.  "After, his future belongs to him, his family and agent.  "I want his behaviour and his focus to be on West Ham on Saturday."


bbc--2019-01-11--51-year-old footballer gets new deal

51-year-old footballer gets new deal

He may have started his career way back in 1986 but there's no sign of Kazuyoshi Miura slowing down yet - the 51-year-old has signed a new contract with Japanese side Yokohama FC.  The striker, who won the last of his 89 Japan caps some 19 years ago, will now play in the Japanese second division until at least the age of 52 - an age he reaches next month.  "I will not waste it for one minute, one second," he said.  "I think that I want to go face to face with football and go to daily training with maximum power."  Miura was born in the same month as Italy legend Roberto Baggio, who retired in 2004, and broke Stanley Matthews' record as the oldest professional to score a goal in 2017.  He failed to score in nine appearances in the 2018 season, which saw Yokohama lose in the play-offs.  Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.


bbc--2019-01-19--England defender Alexander-Arnold signs new Liverpool deal

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has signed a new five-year deal until 2024 with the club.  It reflects the 20-year-old full-back's remarkable progress since his last contract in 2017.  He has established himself as the Anfield club's first-choice right-back, broken into the England team and played at the World Cup.  "When it comes to playing football, there is only one club for me," said Alexander-Arnold.  "I'm ecstatic and really proud. I feel privileged to have the support and the trust the club has in me to offer me a new deal," he told the club's website.  "There was no doubt in my mind to sign and extend the years I have with the club. Hopefully we can achieve a lot of success in those years."  Academy graduate Alexander-Arnold has made 67 appearances and scored four goals since his Liverpool debut in October 2016 and has since established himself as the Reds' first-choice right-back.  "As soon as they offered the contract, there was no hesitation whatsoever," added Alexander-Arnold.  "The thing that made it easiest for me was having the people around me to make sure I was able to focus on football as much as possible and get the deal done as soon as possible.  "That is down to my brother especially, my manager, who took that role and allowed me to focus on football and not get distracted, which is the main thing.  "The last 18 months especially have been very special. Hopefully the next 18 months and even further on than that will be even more special."  Manager Jurgen Klopp said: "Trent is one of the most relentless professionals I have met when it comes to focusing on getting better each and every day," manager Jurgen Klopp said.  "This is not to compare with any legend past or present, because he will make his own story.  "As a player for LFC he is the embodiment of the sentiment 'We're never gonna stop.'"  The deal follows left-back Andrew Robertson signing a new five-year deal with the Premier League leaders.  Alexander-Arnold is expected to be sidelined for at least a fortnight with a knee problem after being injured in the warm-up before Saturday's 1-0 league win at Brighton.  He does not need surgery but is set to miss home games against Crystal Palace and Leicester City.


bbc--2019-03-13--Englands Tuilagi rejects Racing 92 to stay at Leicester

England's Tuilagi rejects Racing 92 to stay at Leicester

England centre Manu Tuilagi has rejected a lucrative offer from French club Racing 92 and signed a new deal with Leicester Tigers.  Tuilagi's contract ran out in the summer and he had been to France to discuss terms with Racing.  But the 27-year-old told the Tigers website: "This is a massive club and it means a lot to me and my family.  "I love the club and I want to repay the loyalty they have shown me in my time here."  The length of his new deal with the Premiership side has not been revealed.  Tuilagi has spent all his career with Tigers. He made his debut in 2010, with the first of his 31 England appearances coming the following year.  "I'm very passionate about playing my part in bringing back the success we all expect at such a massive club," he added.  "This was a big decision for me to make but I am very happy to be able to stay here, I have a lot of friends here."  A move to France could have seen his international career halted, with the Rugby Football Union only selecting players who play domestic rugby in England.  Tuilagi returned to the England side in November after a lengthy absence through injury and made his first Six Nations start in six years in the victory over Ireland in Dublin.  Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy said: "Manu is a world-class player with a real X-factor about his game and anyone would want him in their team. He's been here a long time, his heart is here and we're all delighted that he wants to stay.  "He is at his physical peak as a player at 27, he is a leader within the squad and we look forward to seeing many more big performances from him in a Tigers shirt."


bbc--2019-01-31--Anthony Martial Man Utd forward signs new contract until 2024

Anthony Martial: Man Utd forward signs new contract until 2024

Forward Anthony Martial has signed a new contract at Manchester United until June 2024, with the option to extend for a further year.  The 23-year-old, who joined United from Monaco in September 2015 for £36m, has scored eight Premier League goals this season, has been in talks for a while.  United's interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: For a young man, he has a good footballing brain, which, when coupled with his exceptional talent, makes for a player with an exciting future ahead of him."  In June, Martial's agent said his player wanted to leave Old Trafford and it was known former boss Jose Mourinho was happy to sanction his departure.  But United's hierarchy instead opened fresh negotiations and Martial said on Thursday: "I would like to thank Ole and his coaching staff for their belief in me and for helping me to take my game to the next level.  "I am loving my time at this club.  "From the day I joined I have been made to feel part of the United family and I have been incredibly humbled and overwhelmed by the warmth and love of our fans, who continue to amaze me with their support."  Martial has started five times under Mourinho's successor Solskjaer, and scored after coming on as a substitute in the FA Cup win at Arsenal on Friday.  He missed Tuesday night's home draw with Burnley after picking up "a slight injury" in training but has managed 10 goals in 25 matches in all competitions this season.


birminghammail--2019-01-02--Why Tammy Abraham to Wolves makes perfect sense for everyone - except Aston Villa

It would be a little unfair on Aston Villa to lose loan striker Tammy Abraham at this stage of the season.  The Chelsea loan striker has been phenomenal for Villa so far this season and with 16 goals under his belt, it's fair to say Villa would miss him massively if he was to move on.  The view from Dean Smith is that Abraham is going nowhere, the newspaper headlines paint a different story.  Premier League clubs are circling the lofty England striker as the January window approaches and much will depend on the player himself as to where his future lies.  Smith commented recently on the situation and appeared very confident it would continue.  He stated: "We’re very happy with the way he’s playing, he is, too.  “You can see the connection he has with the supporters and the staff here.  “Chelsea seem happy too because he’s developing as a player and scoring in this league.  “For all three parties it is a win-win. I’d be amazed if anything happens to stop that.”  There could still be hope for Wolves fans who would like to see him at Molineux.  Despite his devastating form for Villa, would Abraham pass up the opportunity to play for a blossoming and progressive Wolves side boasting the likes of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho?  His England credentials would be massively enhanced if he could score as regularly in the Premier League as he is in the Championship.  That ambition may be enough to persuade him to take on a premature new challenge he perhaps hadn't expected.  Only he knows the answer to that one.  Would he fit into the Wolves set-up? Undoubtedly.  He has pace, mobility, a good footballing brain, and that all important commodity - goals.  Can he adapt fully to the Wolves way of playing? It would be interesting to see.  He hasn't really featured out wide for example for Villa, but he has the ability to drop deep and hold the ball up to bring others into play.  Villa would feel very hard done to if he did leave, they have invested real time into making him a better player.  He's worked extremely hard on his heading with John Terry at Villa, for example.  He has had a lot of success with headed goals in recent weeks and that would suit the Wolves style of play with the wing-backs.  Wolves have at times this season shot themselves in the foot with missed opportunities in front of goal.  Raul Jimenez has been a revelation up-front for Wolves and has contributed significantly to the goal tally, but at times there has been a distinct lack of a traditional number nine.  It's unlikely any striker coming into the Wolves squad will walk straight into the team, Jimenez is a player that Nuno Espirito Santo likes and trusts.  Jimenez is a versatile player and a very intelligent one who fully understands the Wolves ethos and is a big part of the 'shape', that Nuno talks of so fondly.  For many Wolves fans he has been the player of the season.  If Abraham was to go to Wolves, he would likely edge out Leo Bonatini as the more traditional striker called upon to come off the bench.  He has to be happy with that though, he has to be willing to be patient.  He could be the ultimate weapon for Wolves though in their quest to be more clinical and push things to a different level.  In fact, used correctly, this could be a game changer.  What has he done this season?  Can Wolves afford him? Of course.  Would Chelsea sell him? It appears so.  Wolves have money and Abraham would command a fee of around £18m, that's a lot of money fr a player who isn't even playing for you, but might one day.  A loan deal is of course a likely scenario, Wolves like their loans with a view to permanent deals.  It would be a huge deal for Wolves and one that makes a lot of sense. It would be good business for all concerned.  Abraham would surely benefit from working under Nuno and being surrounded by the wave of optimism at Molineux.  The squad at Wolves is going to get better and the ambitions are going to get higher.  Players like Abraham will have seen how they handled Spurs and will quite rightly fancy a piece of the action, any footballer would.  That's no slight on his time at Villa, he has enjoyed it, the fans have enjoyed it, and it has been a good loan spell for Villa.  The reality is that if a sizeable bid comes in from Wolves, Aston Villa won't even come into the equation.  Reports have suggested, however, that the Molineux side’s swoop for Abraham could be threatened by a Fifa ruling over the number of sides a player can turn out for during one season.  Abraham’s scoring streak has fired him up for a return to the Premier League, this pundit believes.  Dean Ashton watched the 21-year-old score a deadly double in Aston Villa ’s 2-2 draw with QPR this weekend and believes he now needs to show what he’s made of in the top-flight.  Yesterday BirminghamLive reported that Wolves were keen on signing the striker in January - if he engineers a move back to Chelsea.  The Blues have no interest in recalling him for their own benefit - but may activate the clause in order to allow him to leave for another club willing to pay the money or offer him Premier League football.  Ashton, who left the second tier for the top-flight when he was in fine form, said:  “He might really enjoy being at Aston Villa like I did at Crewe.  “But if you want to be at the top level and you’ve got ambition, then I’m afraid he will want to do well at Aston Villa and then move to test himself in the Premier League again.  “He will feel like he didn’t do himself justice at Swansea (last season).”  Abraham scored just eight goals last term but has already doubled that tally in half a season this time around.  And Ashton believes boss Dean Smith has got Villa playing to his strengths.  “Dean Smith has got Villa playing to his strengths.  “He’s now dropping off defenders, getting across defenders but sadly (for Villa), Premier League clubs will be looking at him.”  Abraham is more likely to be playing for Wolves next month than he is Aston Villa.  That’s according to bookmakers SkyBet who have savaged their odds on the Chelsea striker joining Wolves permanently.  Wolves are now odds on to sign the 21-year-old with SkyBet offering a measly 1/4.  By comparison he is odds against staying at Villa Park - 11/4, despite starting the season with a bang and 16 goals in the Championship.  However, Abraham is claimed to want to return to the Premier League which is why Burnley, at 16/1 - and Huddersfield at 20/1 are also quoted.


birminghammail--2019-01-12--Dean Smith provides Aston Villa transfer update as striker leaves the club

Dean Smith has reiterated the importance of having Aston Villa having the option of making loan deals permanent, following the capture of Kortney Hause.  The defender arrived on loan this week from nearby Wolverhampton Wanderers and will remain at Villa Park for the remainder of the season.  Should all things run smoothly, and all parties be in agreement, then the claret and blues will have first refusal on the signature of Hause in the summer.  It was a clause Smith insisted on, having arrived at the club in October and key squad members Axel Tuanzebe, Yannick Bolasie, Tammy Abraham and Anwar El Ghazi all on loan deals.  Marco Silva has cooled speculation that Everton midfielder James McCarthy might leave the club on loan this month.  Irishman McCarthy had been tipped to leave Goodison Park for the remainder of the season, with the potential of building up his match fitness after a significant period of time on the sidelines.  The midfielder played only six matches last season before being ruled out the remainder of the campaign when an unfortunate collision with West Brom forward Salomon Rondon resulted in a double leg break, in a match where the Toffees and the Baggies shared the points in January.  Paul Cook has lauded Aston Villa as he prepares to go toe to toe with Dean Smith at the DW Stadium this weekend.  Wigan Athletic welcome the claret and blues on Saturday in rather wretched form; the last three months have seen them produce a single win - that’s 14 matches.  Worryingly for Cook, they’ve lost ten of those and fired blanks in eight.  A good time for Villa to face the Latics, then? Smith was particularly cautious when asked on Thursday at his press conference and won’t be taking the fixture lightly.  Cook, though, was happy to praise this weekend’s opponents and outlined Villa as one of the sides his promoted Wigan were looking forward to facing before the season began.  Aston Villa midfielder Aaron Tshibola has been linked with a surprise move to Serie A before the month is out.  The claret and blue midfielder has spent the first half of this season back north of the border with Kilmarnock, whom under former Villa coach Steve Clarke are thriving.  Tshibola, still only 24, has made only ten appearances to date and none at all since the 1-0 defeat at Wolves in January 2017.  Since, he’s had two separate spells with Killie in Scotland, and also stints with MK Dons and Nottingham Forest.  Jesus Garcia Pitarch is being kept busy as Aston Villa hunt for more recruits this month.  The sporting director, unveiled at the same time as manager Dean Smith and his back-room staff in October, has already overseen deals with Gent and Wolves for Lovre Kalinic and Kortney Hause respectively and Smith has confirmed that Pitarch’s foot remains on the gas as the claret and blues look to bring more players into the club.  Smith, Pitarch and chief executive Christian Purslow are in constant contact on the transfer front and it seems likely that, having already captured two new signings, Villa are far from done.  “There’s things going on at the moment,” Smith said. “Our sporting director is busy at work trying to bring people into the football club.  “We’ve got targets out there and that’ll continue until the end of the window.”  James Collins has revealed he ‘terminated’ his Aston Villa contract a matter of hours after signing it.  It’s understood Villa agreed to re-sign Collins on a short-term contract in December after the former Wales international impressed Dean Smith in training.  However, after signing his contract in the morning, Collins went out onto Bodymoor Heath’s training pitches and suffered an injury.  He said: “I went up to Villa, my old club and I know the people up there. I trained, and did well, and got offered a short-term deal but unfortunately, the morning I signed it, I picked up a little injury so I terminated that contract myself straight away.  “I got fit and luckily got the call from Paul Lambert.”  Rushian Hepburn-Murphy has joined League Two side Cambridge United on loan until the end of the season.  The striker, 20, has linked up with former Aston Villa assistant manager Colin Calderwood, who is now boss of the U's.  Hepburn-Murphy was heavily involved with the first team in the opening weeks of the season under Steve Bruce but has dropped back down to the under-23s since Dean Smith took charge in October.  Hepburn-Murphy shot to prominence as a 16-year-old in making his Premier League debut against Sunderland in 2015.  Aston Villa might have signed Kortney Hause on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers - but Dean Smith could yet dip into the market for another defender.  Hause joined Wolves earlier this week, initially on loan but with a view to a permanent transfer, to become Smith’s second signing of the January window following the acquisition of Croatia goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic.  Smith has previously admitted his concern with Villa’s defensive options and recalled Tommy Elphick from Hull City at the beginning of the month.  Villa now have James Chester, Elphick, Hause and Axel Tuanzebe to choose from although the latter is currently unavailable due to a foot injury.  Ritchie De Laet left Aston Villa in the summer after being told he’d be fourth choice right-back - a message he clearly took to heart.  The Belgian defender has since reinvented himself in Australia and started Melbourne City’s 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar in attack earlier today.  Lucas Radbourne of FTBL writes: “De Laet played as a false nine for Melbourne and managed to bag the winning goal.  “He didn't look convincing playing as a sort of false nine, roaming number 10, night watchman, whatever it was, in the first half. He's not a striker, not a playmaker. He naturally pushed out wide from semi-dangerous central positions to put in crosses.  “But he is a very good-quality footballer, he exploited Brisbane's lackadaisical defending, created space for himself and easily latched onto a cross to give City the lead.”  Harold Moukoudi is the one that got away from Aston Villa.  The claret and blues agreed a £7million deal with Ligue 2 club Le Havre to sign Moukoudi in August but the player rejected the move.  Moukoudi was flown into Birmingham and given a tour of the club’s facilities before discussing personal terms.  Despite Moukoudi being impressed by Villa Park and the club’s Bodymoor Heath training complex, not to mention the increased financial reward on offer, he chose to stay in France.  The 21-year-old defender wasn’t ready to leave France and his family behind.


birminghammail--2019-01-10--Aston Villa have aimed this cheeky response at a Wolves fan on Twitter

Aston Villa have introduced a ‘kids for a quid’ offer for the visit of Sheffield United next month - and aimed a cheeky retort to a Wolverhampton Wanderers supporter in the process!  Villa unveiled their deal, ahead of the meeting with the Blades in early February, on social media on Wednesday evening.  Kids will be able to attend the match for a mere £1 with a full paying adult as the claret and blues look to encourage home fans to turn out in their numbers - something they’ve done regularly since the arrival of Dean Smith in October.  It was well received news by supporters of the club - though one Wolves fans jibed that it still wouldn’t be enough to fill B6.  Watch: What the Wolves fans were saying after Tammy's decision  And so Villa’s Twitter account responded, dealing in the law of averages, by simply tweeting: “Average home attendances this season... #AVFC - 34,692 #WWFC - 30,989.”  Wolves, back in the Premier League and settling well in the top half of the table, have taken points from many of the bigger sides in the top flight already this term.  The old gold’s highest single attendance this term was when Liverpool visited before Christmas - 31,358 turned out that evening.  Villa’s highest attendance, meanwhile, was actually Dean Smith’s only home defeat to date - to Leeds United, also before Christmas.  There were 41,411 there that day.


birminghammail--2019-04-03--Manchester United have a huge transfer window planned as Liverpool snap up prolific striker and slap

Manchester United have a huge transfer window planned as Liverpool snap up prolific striker and slap £200m tag on key man - rumour round-up

We take a look at all the big Premier League news, rumours and talking points as the season draws to a close and the speculation steps up ahead of the January transfer window.  Paul Pogba rejected a contract offer from Manchester United as his heart is set on a move to Real Madrid.  The Frenchman has seen his United career revitalised after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer arrived in late December.  Since the Norweigan’s appointment, which was made permanent last Thursday, Pogba has been the centrepiece of a new-look attack with the World Cup winner playing in a much more advanced position.  The result has been staggering, with the midfielder scoring nine and setting up a further seven goals for his team-mates.  But there have been transfer rumours surrounding his future ongoing all season and the £89m man does not appear to be happy at Old Trafford - despite the change in manager.  Over the international break, the 26-year-old admitted that it would be a dream to work under Zinedine Zidane - who recently returned to Real Madrid just 10 months after resigning.  He said: “Real Madrid is a dream for any kid or footballer and especially with Zidane.”  And  Marca  have now reported that Pogba rejected a new contract offer from the Red Devils in January as he looks to make his Bernabeu dream come true.  His current deal expires in 2022 and the club are desperate to see him extend that, especially amid the Real rumours.  Tottenham are weighing up a £50million summer move for Everton and England defender Michael Keane.  Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is in the market for a young centre-back this summer and has identified Keane as his first-choice target.  Scouts from  Tottenham  were at Everton's 2-0 win at  West Ham  on Saturday to watch Keane, while north London rivals  Arsenal  are also understood to have had representatives there looking at the ball-playing centre-back.  With Tottenham facing the prospect of losing Toby Alderweireld - who has a year left on his current deal - this summer and Jan Vertonghen turning 32 later this month, Pochettino needs to bolster his central defensive options.  Liverpool have settled on an asking price for Real Madrid target Sadio Mane, it has been claimed.  Zinedine Zidane has identified the Senegal international as a transfer target ahead of the summer window.  Mane has emerged on  Real Madrid ’s radar after an incredible run of form for Liverpool.  He has scored 11 goals in his last 11 appearances to take his total to 20 in 39 games this term.  According to  OK Diario  director Eduardo Inda, Liverpool have reacted to his stunning form by slapping a £198m (€230m) price tag on his head.  Manchester United are prepared to break their transfer record TWICE this summer to land Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane.  Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s appointment as manager on a permanent basis means the club are pressing on with their summer plans.  The Red Devils are set to spend big in a bid to give Solskjaer the greatest chance of leading a title charge next term.  A winger and a centre-half are priorities for the club heading towards the window at the end of the season.  But to secure deals for their dream targets, it is expected  Manchester United  will have to fork out more than the £89m they paid Juventus for Paul Pogba in 2016.  United are yet to break the £100m-mark for a single player in the market.  Borussia Dortmund, though, are playing hardball over teenage sensation Sancho, now an England international.  Varane, meanwhile, has been rumoured to be looking for a new challenge away from the Bernabeu, although Real won’t sell the World Cup winning defender on the cheap.  Manchester United and Liverpool target  Matthijs De Ligt  looks certain to move this summer, according to the latest reports from the Netherlands.  But the Ajax defender is not set for a move to the Premier League, despite having been linked with United,  Liverpool  and  Arsenal  , among other top clubs including  Juventus .  Instead, it is  Barcelona  who are close to signing the £75m teenager - because of a special deal between the boardrooms at the Nou Camp and the Johan Cruyff Arena.  The head of sports at Dutch publication De Telegraaf, Valentijn Driessen, says there is no doubt where the cultured centre-back is headed, saying "It's clear that De Ligt will leave Ajax for Barca," in quotes reported by  Sport .  Driessen said at the start of last week the two clubs came close to an agreement over the player, who has impressed in the Champions League this season.  Manchester United are keen to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace this summer, according to reports.  The Daily Mail report that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperate to land the 21-year-old after being appointed manager on a full-tame basis.  They add that he has given Old Trafford chiefs the “green light” to pursue a deal and the right-back could become United’s first summer arrival.  Wan-Bissaka, who has made 28 Premier League appearances this season, is considered to have huge potential by United.  Liverpool under-18s captain Paul Glatzel has signed his first professional contract with the club.  The highly-rated young forward has scored 23 goals in all competitions this season, and scored on his first appearance for the under-23s team against  West Ham  on Monday evening.  Having formed a prolific partnership with Bobby Duncan - Steven Gerrard's cousin - at under-18 level, Glatzel is being tipped to eventually challenge for a first-team birth at Anfield having been invited at train with the senior stars at Melwood on a regular basis.  Born in  Liverpool  to two German parents, Glatzel - who turned 18 on Wednesday - has played for Germany at under-15 and under-16 levels, as well as for England at youth levels too.  Liverpool have agreed a fee with Blackburn Rovers for young goalkeeper Ben Winterbottom.  The stopper has been the subject of a bid from Liverpool and according to Football Insider the two clubs have now agreed a compensation package for the player.  The news site reports that the Reds have agreed a £350,000 figure with the Championship club.  New Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has told reporters that he is keen to bring Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba to the club.  Zidane is back at the Bernebau after leaving last summer and is already planning his first transfer window back at the club.  While he was on international duty with France, the United talisman revealed Real were a 'dream club'.  Speaking before his side's game with Huesca, Zidane returned the compliment to his compatriot.  "I like Pogba a lot, it's nothing new.  "I know him personally. He's a different kind of player, he brings so much and there are few players who bring as much as he does.  "He's a midfielder who knows how to defend and how to attack. He knows how to do everything on the pitch.  "He [Pogba] is not part of my squad, he plays at United and what he's said about Real Madrid and his desire to come here, if one day he gets the chance when he wants to leave United....if, when he finishes his experience at United, he wants to come here, why shouldn't he come to Real Madrid?"  Chelsea have joined the race for former Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho, according to reports.  Man United have been linked with the 26-year-old who has struggled to adapt to life at the Nou Camp since his big money move from Anfield.  According to The Express, the Brazilian has become resigned that he will need to leave the La Liga giants for the good of his career.  “I am thinking about leaving Barcelona, I know that it is a difficult decision, but it can be the best thing for my career," he told Sport.  Chelsea know that Eden Hazard will be in demand this summer and are akready drafting up plans to replace their star man.


birminghammail--2019-06-30--Moussa Marega transfer latest as two other possible Wolves deals emerge

Talk of Moussa Marega joining Wolverhampton Wanderers has been rife this summer.  Mali international striker Marega has been linked with a host of clubs, including Wolves.  The 28-year-old has made no secret of his desire to move to the Premier League and he’s keen to quit Porto this summer after two seasons of goalscoring brilliance.  Speaking last year, Marega told SFR: “I like this championship for a long time. At the same time, who does not like the Premier League?  “It's a very big league, with very big players. It's flattering when clubs are interested in you, but I have always dreamed of playing there.  “I want to be happy, with my family, in a championship that I love.”  However, Wolves aren’t the only English club to be linked with the forward. Aston Villa and West Ham United have also shown interest and, according to A Bola, the latter has jumped to the front of the queue.  A Bola reports: “According to information already received by the footballer himself, the next stage of his career will be played in English territory and particularly at West Ham.”  Walter Kannemann has emerged as the latest Wolves target, according to reports.  The 28-year-old centre-back plays for Gremio in Brazil and was linked with a move to Arsenal and then Atletico Madrid earlier this year.  The Daily Mail report that his current club would sell the Argentina international, nicknamed The Viking, for around £10m.  Wolves are looking for defensive reinforcements this summer as they prepare for the Europa League.  Reports in Belgium claim that Wolves are still in the running to sign Inter Milan defender Zinho Vanheusden , the 19-year-old who spent last season on loan at Standard Liege.  But Kannemann is the latest name linked with a move.  He started his career at San Lorenzo, before joining Atlas in 2015 prior to sealing a switch to Gremio a year later, and has made five appearances for Argentina.  Helder Costa is reportedly on the verge of a move to Leeds United - and the Elland Road faithful are loving it.  Portuguese winger Costa is surplus to requirements at Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer and, according to the Telegraph, said his goodbyes to his teammates at Compton Park on Friday.  The 25-year-old, who scored on his international debut for Portugal against Scotland last year, is set to move to Leeds on a season-long loan deal and team up with revered coach Marcelo Bielsa.


birminghammail--2019-07-03--Birmingham City target reveals English dream as starlet signs new contract

The future of Romania striker George Puscas is up in the air with speculation he could return to Inter.  The 23-year-old caught the eye in the European Under 21 Championships with four goals in four games.  However, administrative and financial issues at his current club Palermo could see him return to the Serie A giants who sold him to the Sicilians last summer.  It is expected Puscas will move somewhere in the summer with Sheffield United and FCSB - formerly Steaua București said to be interested.  Birmingham City are also hopeful of mounting what would be an ambitious swoop for a striker who has played eight times for his national senior squad.  And Puscas, who has also played on loan in Serie B for Bari, Benevento and Novara has said he sees his future in England.  “I am delighted that they are interested in teams from Romania,” he told Romanian website Fanatik .  “I left home for a while and I feel good in Italy for the time being. Let’s see if I change the championship, if I stay in Italy, I can not tell you anything yet.  “My dream is to get to England and play in the Premier league, but it’s still there.”  Here's everything you need to know about Puscas  A 23-year-old centre forward, born on April 8, 1996 in the small Romanian market town of Marghita, not far from the border with Hungary.  He started his football journey with the now defunct Liberty Oradea.  He also had a brief training spell with Arsenal.  He recalled: “When I was 16 I got a call from an Arsenal inviting me to do a trial with them, and it went brilliantly – I even had a training session with Wenger.  “But up until that age in England you either live with your parents or you have to go with another family, whereas I was on my own.  “Arsenal told me they were going to wait a year before signing me and in the meantime Inter called, offering me a place at the club without any trials.  “I told Arsenal I didn’t want to wait and so I went to Milan.”  A source close to Spanish coach Xavi Calm says he will ‘bring many good things’ to Birmingham City's youth set-up, writes Alex Dicken.  Calm is expected to be formally announced as part of Blues’ restructure at development level and is poised to take up a role with the under-23s.  The 37-year-old joins from Spanish sister club UE Cornella, where he has been head coach for the last 12 months.  Calm only took the top job at Cornella last summer after two years working as a coach for the Segunda B club.  Before arriving at Cornella in 2016 Calm enjoyed one-year stints at CE L'Hospitalet, UE Sant Andreu, UE Rubi and CE Sabadell in order to build up his portfolio of coaching experience.  Prior to that he was employed by UE Jabac Terrasa and UE Castellar. Between 2003 and 2006 Calm studied at the University of Barcelona, during which time he was coaching at Castellar.  Birmingham City have confirmed their latest intake of scholars - including rising star Jude Bellingham.  Just two days after his 16th birthday the England youngster was one of 14 players to sign scholarship deals, their first as full-time footballers.  The group included goalkeepers Aaron Clayton and Elias Rouse, defenders Kade Craig, Marcel Oakley, Charlie Noakes, Dan Djurovi and Josh Dugmore.  There were also scholarships for Aidan Finnegan, Joshua Williams, Alfie Chang, Remi Walker and forwards Yoane Zohore and Amari Miller.  French youngster Zohore arrives from Castelnau le Crès under-17s whom he joined last summer from reputable football academy Athletic Club Boulogne-Billancourt.  But the retention of Bellingham is a much-needed boost to Blues after months of speculation he could be going elsewhere.  Bellingham has attracted the attention of clubs across Europe including Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and the biggest teams in England, notably Spurs and Manchester City.  He has been involved in first team training during pre-season having been given a taste of the match-day experience towards the end of last term. He also had success with the Under 23s - as a 15-year-old.  He expressed his pleasure at clarifying his future on his Instagram account.  “Delighted to have signed my scholarship at Birmingham City. A big thanks to my family, team mates and members of staff that have done so much to get me this far. The hard work continues.”  The decision to part company with Michael Morrison has left Birmingham City looking for another captain.  Morrison held the armband for virtually all of his four-and-a-half years at St Andrew’s but leaves having been unable to agree a contract with the club.  Blues play their first pre-season game a week on Thursday - July 11, with just over four weeks until the Championship campaign starts.  We asked Blues fans who they would like to replace Morrison - and two names kept coming back.  David Olney: Harlee dean all the way!!  Daniel Morris: Harlee Dean if he still wants to to stay after recent events  Mark Atkinson: I would say the Juke as he took it towards the end of the season didn’t he? I’d say the Juke and Harlee Dean as Captain and Vice Captain in case the other isn’t playing.  For all your latest Blues news, opinion, analysis and transfer gossip, click here


birminghammail--2019-08-12--Not at all - Aston Villa hit back at THAT transfer claim

‘Not at all’ - Aston Villa hit back at THAT transfer claim

Dean Smith led Villa to promotion in May and the club’s owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens have bankrolled a £127million summer spending spree to sign 12 new players.  Brazilian striker Wesley Moraes has become the club’s £22million record signing, while Tyrone Mings rejoined from Bournemouth for an initial £20million.  That has led to comparisons with Fulham who spent in excess of £100million on a similar number of fresh faces.  Fulham were relegated after one full season in the Premier League and faced a summer of upheaval in trying to offload some of their costly purchases.  “I wouldn’t comment on another club’s transfer policy and I’m not particularly briefed on the fine details of Fulham - but I am extremely close to our policy,” he told Sky Sports.  “The first thing I would say is that of the 12, four players were with us last season - loans that we converted into permanent transfers. Three players had either played for our coach at Brentford or been about to sign for Brentford so this is not find a footballer, bring him to Birmingham and hope that he works well for Dean Smith. These are players intimately familiar to our coach and our coaching staff.  This is your round up of all things Villa; the one-stop shop that will keep you updated on the latest goings on at Villa Park and beyond. Transfers, injuries, match-days and managers, we’ve got you covered. We’ll be bringing the very latest on the Lions throughout week and around the clock. Make sure you keep yourself updated with our handy daily catch up...  “We had a scouting department put in place last October and all the players we signed were watched by our head coach, by our sporting director very frequently between October and June when we actually went in and closed those deals.  “And the other thing I’d say is that most of our business was done very early in the window. Those players who hadn’t played for Dean, who weren’t known intimately, were in the building, going on our overseas training camp in America, maximising the time they had to familiarise themselves with our coach, with our systems and with our great club.  “I feel very confident that it was thought through, that it was strategic, that it wasn’t last minute, trolley dash, collect a footballer. I haven’t met a single Villa fan who is worried that our great football club has 12 fantastic new players to go alongside the spine of a team that, between February and April last season, won 10 games in a row for the first time in our history.”  For all your latest Villa news, opinion, analysis and transfer gossip, click here


birminghammail--2019-10-15--West Brom contract expiries: When the deals run out for every Albion player

The contracts of professional footballers are usually a hot topic of conversation.  The pendulum of power between the club and the player can often swing one way or the other, depending where the latter is in their contract.  Three or more years left to run on a deal represents security for the player, but also for the club - particularly if they’re an asset.  On the flip side, big contracts can mean that shifting a player who is no longer in the manager’s plans can be tricky.  Anything less than that, and there is an uncertain period. Has the player justified the offering of fresh terms? Do they fancy moving on? In the case of the latter, it often means they can run their contract down and leave for nothing, or force their employers into selling up early.  Things are no different at West Brom.  This is the current Albion squad, when each player’s respective contract is set to expire and the players who could need signing up quickly should Slaven Bilic consider them important.  Albion have some calls to make before this season is out.  Goalkeepers Jonathan Bond, Ali Al-Habsi and Alex Palmer all see their respective deals run out next summer - it’d leave just first choice Sam Johnstone at the club.  Chris Brunt, Albion's longest-serving player by a distance, is likely to bring the curtain down on his stay at The Hawthorns next summer. He'll have spent 13 years at the club and made well over 400 appearances.  Hal Robson-Kanu has been at the club since 2016. He has never been first choice in that time, but has racked up a number of appearances from the bench.  Beyond that, there are a host of academy products who need their futures resolving.  The club are talking to Nathan Ferguson, while Kyle Edwards and Dara O’Shea have also found themselves in the match-day squad regularly.  Kane Wilson is out on loan at Tranmere, while Jack Fitzwater is having to bide his time.  Albion have already agreed personal terms with Matheus Pereira and are expected to snap him up on a permanent deal next summer, worth £9m all in.  Grady Diangana will return to West Ham. The hope is that he remains at the club beyond January, during which his parent club have the option to recall him should they see fit.  His form is raising fears that there’ll be a repeat of the situation that saw the Baggies lose Harvey Barnes last year.  Filip Krovinovic is another player who could earn a permanent deal if his form prompts Albion to pursue one, while BirminghamLive understands that Chris Willock is a player who the club remain keen on, despite his lack of first-team opportunities.  Eighteen months tends to be a bit of a cross-roads period for many players, and the above are those who are about to enter the final year and a half of those deals.  Kieran Gibbs signed a four-year deal when he arrived in 2017, while Kyle Bartley agreed a three-year deal and Charlie Austin a two-year contract.  Conor Townsend and Jonathan Leko are the other players who, as it stands, will see their contracts expire in the summer of 2021.  The bulk of the Albion squad have a little over two-and-a-half years left.  Romaine Sawyers agreed a three-year deal in the summer when he arrived from Brentford, while Rekeem Harper and Matt Phillips have both fairly recently put pen to paper on new deals.  Ahmed Hegazi, returning from injury, signed a chunky contract in December 2017, while Oli Burke will have two years to save his Albion career when he returns from his season-long loan at Alaves.  Captain Jake Livermore and Charlton loanee Sam Field are the other players who have a cushion.  This trio have only just arrived, and were all tied down to long-term deals upon arrival.  Darnell Furlong and Semi Ajayi are looking like excellent pieces of business, for a combined fee of £3m, while Kenneth Zohore is still to live up to his rather expensive price-tag.  All in their early to mid twenties, they agreed four-year contracts and will be at the club until 2023 - or longer, all being well.


thedailymirror--2019-01-09--Transfer news and gossip Kalidou Koulibaly keen on Man Utd as Higuain Chelsea bound

Transfer news and gossip: Kalidou Koulibaly 'keen on Man Utd as Higuain Chelsea bound

The January transfer window is in full swing with Chelsea the first club to make significant moves.  But the rest of the big clubs refuse to be left behind.  The likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United all need to strengthen for different reasons.  WIN £25,000 for FREE with Footie5 - click here to play  Jurgen Klopp needs defenders with only Virgil van Dijk fit, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer knows his Red Devils' squad must be reinforced.  And Arsenal want to add to the squad to make their top four dreams a reality.  To follow all the done deals - from Arsenal to Yeovil - click here for our great transfer live blog.  And to see every completed Premier League transfer so far, click here .  Here are four key transfer stories that you may have missed so far today…  And Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly is reportedly keen on a move to Old Trafford - but it won't happen until the end of the season.  The towering Senegal international fits the bill of what United are looking for. He's powerful and experienced, but not too old at 27.  And although Ed Woodward would ideally want to snap up him up now, Napoli won't allow it.  The Metro report he's key to their Europa League chances and is staying at the Stadio San Paolo.  Koulibaly is likely to cost around £90m after signing a new long-term deal at Napoli only last year.  Long-term Chelsea target Gonzalo Higuain has agreed to join the Stamford Bridge side, according to reports in Spain.  Marca say the deal will be completed in the next few hours, with the 31-year-old becoming the London club's second signing of the transfer window after Christain Pulisic.  Higuain's arrival will signal the departure of Alvaro Morata - with Sevilla keen on the Spaniard.  Higuain has been on loan at AC Milan from Juventus but has not hit form this season and Chelsea are prepared to pay his €40m transfer fee as well as his €8m a year wages.  Tottenham aim to end any Real Madrid and Barcelona interest from by putting a massive £225m price tag on Christian Eriksen.  The 26-year-old has a deal running until 2020 and so far has not indicated he will sign an extension.  But now Spurs owner Daniel Levy says the Spanish giants would have to make him the most expensive footballer on the planet to prise him away from North London, report AS.  A few days ago Real Madrid reportedly made contract over a stunning deal for the Tottenham playmaker.  The Dane has another 18 months remaining on his current deal with Spurs but there is a determination to get him tied down long-term.  Barcelona star Denis Suarez wants to join Arsenal in January.  Mirror Sport understands the 25-year-old midfielder is making it clear he fancies the switch this month and is hoping the clubs can make it happen.  Arsenal are keen on Suarez and he is their No1 target as they look to do a loan move with a view to a permanent £15m transfer this summer.  Barcelona are reluctant to let Suarez leave this month even though he has a buy-out clause in his contract and there is still some way to go before a deal looks remotely likely.  But it is believed that is currently the only serious deal that Arsenal are working on at the moment as Unai Emery knows there are very limited funds in this window.  Mirror Sport reported on December 22 that Arsenal were not expecting a busy window because of the financial restrictions and it could just come down to one small deal and a potential loan.  That position has not changed and would rule out any chance of big deals this month, although Emery will be afforded cash to make more significant signings in the summer.


birminghammail--2019-01-04--Leeds United transfer blow as Aston Villa sweat on Tammy Abraham and West Brom eye Wolves star

With the transfer window fast approaching, we take a look at all the latest transfer news and rumours from the championship.  Blackburn Rovers have had no offers for Bradley Dack.  The 25-year-old freescoring midfielder has been lined with the Premier League.  But boss Tony Mowbray said no bids have been made.  Aston Villa will know whether Tammy Abraham will see out the season in B6 after next weekend.  Chelsea have a recall option in the loan deal which must be triggered by a set date - and by January 14 a decision will be made, report The Telegraph.  Villa want the 16-goal hotshot to stay and aid the promotion charge, but Wolves are keen and ready to launch a loan bid with a view to a big-money move at the end of the season.  It’s our understanding that Chelsea are still waiting to receive that offer and will then make a decision over Abraham’s future.  Multiple sources have also told BirminghamLive that Wolves are confident there will be no issue with Abraham representing them this season, however there has been no confirmation from FIFA to officially stand this up.  Rules state that no player can feature in matches for more than two clubs - and Abraham has turned out for Villa and Chelsea in a under-23 game and the Community Shield - but they are thought to be not classed as official games.  Aston Villa are still negotiating with Wolves over a deal to sign Kortney Hause - and face fresh competition from West Brom for his signature.  The 23-year-old centre-back is a target as Villa look to strengthen their backline this month.  But, according to reports, Wolves want more than the £2million Villa have offered and Albion are now entering the mix.  Suggestions are that Villa's negotiations have stalled.  Dean Smith desperately wants to bring in reinforcements after leaking more goals than any other team in the top half of the Championship this season.  And they like Hause because of his ability to play at left-back as well as centre-half, positions they are currently short of cover on.  But Albion are also looking at further defensive options after landing Mason Holgate on loan from Everton and are considering Hause this month.  Millwall are in talks to snap up defender Alex Pearce from Championship rivals Derby.  Former Reading stopper Pearce,30, has made just one appearance this term under Rams boss Frank Lampard.  That was on the opening day last August and his prospects haven’t improved despite a long-term injury to Curtis Davies.  Lions boss Neil Harris now wants the defender to boost his side’s battle against the drop and Derby are ready to let Pearce go.are in talks to snap up defender Alex Pearce from Championship rivals Derby.  Troubled Birmingham are considering a loan for Derby outcast Ikechi Anya.  Anya, 31, has 18 months left on his contract at Pride Park but has not played this term.  The Scotland international can go this month and Championship Brum are interested.  Birmingham are under a transfer embargo from the EFL for breaching Financial Fair Play rules.  But they are allowed to sign one player on loan as long as his wages are less than £10,000-a-week.  ”When you are looking at the list we are looking at it is a difficult one. Every player on the list is of interest.”  Rangers have agreed a deal to sign Jermain Defoe on an 18-month loan deal.  It's a big blow to Leeds United who were hoping to tempt Defoe to the Championship.  The Bournemouth striker will hook up with the Scottish Premiership side at their winter training camp in Tenerife.  Defoe has been given the green light to leave the Cherries for the remainder of his three-year contract after failing to nail down a spot in Eddie Howe’s starting XI this term.  The 36-year-old will be among the travelling party when the squad fly out to the Canary Islands for the warm-weather camp on Sunday.  Leeds are also being linked with Hoffenheim defender Steven Zuber.  Hoffenheim want to offload the Switzerland international this month and Leeds have emerged as a potential destination.  The potential switch, it is said, rests on whether Zubar would be willing to play in the Championship.  Wolverhampton Wanderers will allow Kourtney Hause to join Aston Villa because he ‘needs to play’.  Hause, 23, has been used sparingly at Molineux this season with Ryan Bennett, Conor Coady, Willy Boly and Leander Dendoncker ahead of him in the defensive pecking order.  And Nuno Espirito Santo admits Hause’s desire to play first team football is likely to see him leave Wolves this month.  The head coach said: "Every time a player has a chance to go, it's because of some things like he needs to play.  "If we have an asset that needs to play, if we have a chance, we will take it."  Charlie Adam has sent a come-and-get-me plea to clubs amid links with former side Rangers.  The Stoke City midfielder, 33, isn’t wanted at the Championship side and has made just three appearances this season.  But he wants to play on - and a return to Scotland has been rumoured.  “I’ve had no contact from any clubs - it’s only speculation at the moment. If clubs want to speak, then great,” Adam told BBC Scotland.  West Bromwich Albion winger Matt Phillips is being lined up by Premier League duo Cardiff City and Burnley, according to reports.  Phillips, who has also played centrally and at wing-back under Darren Moore, has been a key player in Albion’s promotion push in the first half of the season.  The 27-year-old has scored five goals and added five assists in 22 Championship appearances in the campaign so far.  The Mirror report that the top flight pair have been keeping tabs on Phillips and could make their move now the January transfer window is open.  It is reported that Cardiff are in the market for a new right-sided player to strengthen their survival bid.  And he is a target for the south Wales side with manager Neil Warnock fearing missing out on top target Nathaniel Clyne from Liverpool.  The Bluebirds have been chasing Clyne but he has forced his way back in Jurgen Klopp’s plans at Anfield.  Burnley, meanwhile, are said to have an interest in Phillips because of an injury to winger Aaron Lennon.  Phillips joined Albion from QPR in 2016 and has 18 months left to run on his contract at the Hawthorns.  The Scotland international came through Wycombe Wanderers’ academy and has also played for Blackpool and Sheffield United.


birminghammail--2019-01-08--Premier League transfer news Liverpool midfielder bid ruled out as Manchester United eye Anfield le

Premier League transfer news: Liverpool midfielder bid ruled out as Manchester United eye Anfield legend and Spurs star linked with exit

A round-up of the very latest transfer news and gossip from around the Premier League, courtesy of the Mirror and the Daily Star.  Arsenal have emerged as favourites to land Belgian star Yannick Carrasco.  The 25-year-old left Atletico Madrid to join Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang in February last year.  Carrasco is reportedly ready to return to Europe this month and Sky Sport Italia reports Arsenal have made initial contact. Carrasco has given his ‘approval’ to the move.  Liverpool are not interested in signing Trabzonspor midfielder Abdulkadir Omur.  According to the Sunday Express, Jurgen Klopp was hopeful of beating Manchester City to the 19-year-old after lodging a £27m bid.  The Liverpool Echo, however, report that Omur is not a target for Klopp this month.  Omur sparked speculation on Sunday when he said: “Liverpool are a great club, one of the greatest in the world.”  Tottenham are open to selling Moussa Dembele to Beijing Guoan, according to the Daily Mail.  The Chinese Super League club have tabled an £11m bid for the 31-year-old midfielder.  Spurs have plenty of cover in the Belgian’s position and Mauricio Pochettino is open to selling Dembele.  The former Fulham man is fit again after recently overcoming an ankle issue.  Sevilla are taking their interest in signing Chelsea’s Alvaro Morata to the next level.  His agent Juanma Lopez was reportedly in the Spanish city on Monday and held talks with the club’s director of football Joaquin Caparros.  But the fee remains the sticking point with the Blues unwilling to take a huge hit on the £58 million they shelled out in 2017.  The Guingamp goalkeeper, 18, picked up his first international U19 cap last September.  Brighton and Leicester City are also both keeping tabs on the teenager, according to Foot Mercato in France.  Chelsea are ready to go to war with Manchester United.  Caligari’s Nicolo Barella has been targeted according to reports - as has Zenit’s Leandro Paredes.  But United want the Caligari midfielder as well - with a transfer fee of around £34m discussed.  Twelve months to the day after he swapped Liverpool for Barcelona, Philippe Coutinho’s future in Spain is in question.  The Brazilian has been left out of the Catalans’ starting lineup recently, with Ernesto Valverde currently preferring Ousmane Dembele to the 26-year-old playmaker.  And now it’s been reported that United could look to bring him back to the Premier League this month.  In a report published by the Manchester Evening News, it’s claimed that United have been mooted as one of four teams interested in an unlikely switch for the £100million star.  Liverpool are flying high at the top of the Premier League table after a storming first half of the season.  The Reds are four points clear of champions Manchester City, who ended Jurgen Klopp’s side’s unbeaten run in last week’s crunch clash at the Etihad.  Liverpool spent big in the summer on the likes of Alisson and Fabinho, but that hasn’t stopped the Anfield giants being linked with a string of winter deals.  We have attempted to whittle the candidates down to five players most likely to put pen to paper with the Merseyside club this month.  Manchester United have Greek defender Kostas Manolas among the defenders in their sights.  The Roma centre-back, 27, has a £30.5million clause in his contract although it only becomes active in the summer.  United are also interested in versatile Porto star Eder Militao, Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly and Spurs centre-back Toby Alderweireld.  Speaking last July, Manolas nominated United as one of the clubs he’d be keen to play for.  He said: “It’s only natural you want to play for the biggest clubs, like Barcelona, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.  “I think I could make the difference anywhere I went, even at Barcelona - although I have never spoken to them.”  Chelsea could look to complete a stunning deal for Karim Benzema this month.  Blues boss Maurizio Sarri is eager to bring in some firepower during the transfer window with Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata both failing to nail down a regular starting spot.  Morata scored twice against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup this weekend but boss Sarri has been on the lookout for a new No.9  The Blues have been linked with Benzema for some time and had been tipped to make a move for the Real Madrid striker.  And Ladbrokes have now suspended the betting on Benzema being on the move to Stamford Bridge.  The Porto player will cost £42 million with a buy-out clause agreed last year.  United think the 20-year-old has a big future but Madrid are also keen to add a full-back.


birminghammail--2019-01-09--Premier League transfer news Manchester Uniteds 90m green light Chelsea clinch Gonzalo Higuain d

Premier League transfer news: Manchester United's £90m green light; Chelsea clinch Gonzalo Higuain deal; Liverpool signing battle

A round-up of the very latest transfer news and gossip from around the Premier League, courtesy of the Mirror and the Daily Star.  They may have signed Alisson in the summer to nail down the No1 position, but Liverpool are always looking to the future.  With this in mind they are being linked with a bid for rising French star Dominique Youfeigane.  The EA Guingamp keeper has been earning rave reviews - and being linked with some of Europe's biggest clubs.  And now Klopp is ready to battle AS Monaco and Marseille for the French under-19 star's signature.  Foot Mercato report the Reds are on the brink of making an offer for the keeper.  He'd join the ranks of youth keepers putting pressure on Alisson and Simon Mignloet.  And Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly is reportedly keen on a move to Old Trafford - but it won’t happen until the end of the season.  The towering Senegal international fits the bill of what United are looking for. He’s powerful and experienced, but not too old at 27.  And although Ed Woodward would ideally want to snap up him up now, Napoli won’t allow it.  The Metro report he’s key to their Europa League chances and is staying at the Stadio San Paolo.  Koulibaly is likely to cost around £90m after signing a new long-term deal at Napoli only last year.  Long-term Chelsea target Gonzalo Higuain has agreed to join the Stamford Bridge side, according to reports in Spain.  Marca say the deal will be completed in the next few hours, with the 31-year-old becoming the London club’s second signing of the transfer window after Christain Pulisic.  Higuain’s arrival will signal the departure of Alvaro Morata - with Seville keen on the Spaniard.  Higuain has been on loan at AC Milan from Juventus but has not hit form this season and Chelsea are prepared to pay his €40m transfer fee as well as his €8m a year wages.  Arsenal have emerged as favourites to land Belgian star Yannick Carrasco.  The 25-year-old left Atletico Madrid to join Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang in February last year.  Carrasco is reportedly ready to return to Europe this month and Sky Sport Italia reports Arsenal have made initial contact. Carrasco has given his ‘approval’ to the move.  Liverpool are not interested in signing Trabzonspor midfielder Abdulkadir Omur.  According to the Sunday Express, Jurgen Klopp was hopeful of beating Manchester City to the 19-year-old after lodging a £27m bid.  The Liverpool Echo, however, report that Omur is not a target for Klopp this month.  Omur sparked speculation on Sunday when he said: “Liverpool are a great club, one of the greatest in the world.”  Tottenham are open to selling Moussa Dembele to Beijing Guoan, according to the Daily Mail.  The Chinese Super League club have tabled an £11m bid for the 31-year-old midfielder.  Spurs have plenty of cover in the Belgian’s position and Mauricio Pochettino is open to selling Dembele.  The former Fulham man is fit again after recently overcoming an ankle issue.  Sevilla are taking their interest in signing Chelsea’s Alvaro Morata to the next level.  His agent Juanma Lopez was reportedly in the Spanish city on Monday and held talks with the club’s director of football Joaquin Caparros.  But the fee remains the sticking point with the Blues unwilling to take a huge hit on the £58 million they shelled out in 2017.  The Guingamp goalkeeper, 18, picked up his first international U19 cap last September.  Brighton and Leicester City are also both keeping tabs on the teenager, according to Foot Mercato in France.  Chelsea are ready to go to war with Manchester United.  Caligari’s Nicolo Barella has been targeted according to reports - as has Zenit’s Leandro Paredes.  But United want the Caligari midfielder as well - with a transfer fee of around £34m discussed.  Twelve months to the day after he swapped Liverpool for Barcelona, Philippe Coutinho’s future in Spain is in question.  The Brazilian has been left out of the Catalans’ starting lineup recently, with Ernesto Valverde currently preferring Ousmane Dembele to the 26-year-old playmaker.  And now it’s been reported that United could look to bring him back to the Premier League this month.  In a report published by the Manchester Evening News, it’s claimed that United have been mooted as one of four teams interested in an unlikely switch for the £100million star.  Liverpool are flying high at the top of the Premier League table after a storming first half of the season.  The Reds are four points clear of champions Manchester City, who ended Jurgen Klopp’s side’s unbeaten run in last week’s crunch clash at the Etihad.  Liverpool spent big in the summer on the likes of Alisson and Fabinho, but that hasn’t stopped the Anfield giants being linked with a string of winter deals.  We have attempted to whittle the candidates down to five players most likely to put pen to paper with the Merseyside club this month.  Manchester United have Greek defender Kostas Manolas among the defenders in their sights.  The Roma centre-back, 27, has a £30.5million clause in his contract although it only becomes active in the summer.  United are also interested in versatile Porto star Eder Militao, Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly and Spurs centre-back Toby Alderweireld.  Speaking last July, Manolas nominated United as one of the clubs he’d be keen to play for.  He said: “It’s only natural you want to play for the biggest clubs, like Barcelona, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.  “I think I could make the difference anywhere I went, even at Barcelona - although I have never spoken to them.”  Chelsea could look to complete a stunning deal for Karim Benzema this month.  Blues boss Maurizio Sarri is eager to bring in some firepower during the transfer window with Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata both failing to nail down a regular starting spot.  Morata scored twice against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup this weekend but boss Sarri has been on the lookout for a new No.9  The Blues have been linked with Benzema for some time and had been tipped to make a move for the Real Madrid striker.  And Ladbrokes have now suspended the betting on Benzema being on the move to Stamford Bridge.  The Porto player will cost £42 million with a buy-out clause agreed last year.  United think the 20-year-old has a big future but Madrid are also keen to add a full-back.