All the top stories and transfer rumours from Tuesday’s national newspapers…
Xavi denies signing back Lionel Messi
Xavi was asked about Messi during his pre-match press conference, and in recent times, there have been reports that Barca are interested in signing Messi back next summer.
Speaking about Messi, Xavi said: “It’s impossible for Barca to sign Messi now, he’s under contract with Paris. Messi is the best player in history, but there is no point in talking about Leo now. As for the future we’ll see as we go, and Laporta has already said that he hopes Messi’s career and time at Barca is not over yet.”
HIGHLIGHTS | PSG 6-2 Gamba Osaka
Paris Saint-Germain took on Gamba Osaka at the Matsushita Suita Football Stadium in Japan. In the first half, Messi’s shot was parried and Saravia added the goal, Neymar made a penalty and then scored himself. Gamba Osaka then hit back with two strikes, Keisuke Kurokawa scored and Gamba Osaka pulled a goal back, then Mendes scored from a small angle inside the box and three minutes later Neymar assisted Messi to score. In the second half, Messi assisted Neymar to score on a one-two, and then Gamba Osaka had a great match in front of the net, with Yamami Otori scoring, and Gamba Osaka again recovered a goal, before Mbappe made a penalty before the end of the match, and then nodded home himself. The match ended 6-2 for Paris against Gamba Osaka.
Neymar told reporters, “I think, overall, it was a good preparation process. We were able to adjust physically and get our rhythm up to the level of the game.”
“We are happy with some of the things we have done, but it is clear that as a team we still need to continue to improve and improve, to play more together and to get to know each other more. In my opinion, we are on the right track now.”
“It’s a positive thing to get everyone together before the season starts and it’s a positive thing to strengthen and cement the team spirit by training every day.”
“It’s a bit sad to leave our families, but that’s part of the pre-season preparation process. Now, we are fully prepared. Next week, I have a showdown (in the French Super Cup) and I think we are ready for it.”
Ronaldo returns to Manchester City on Monday local time to discuss his future with Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo will return to Manchester on July 25 local time and discuss his future with Manchester United. According to the latest news, Ronaldo has arrived at Manchester airport at around 4.30am BST.
This comes after Manchester United officials confirmed that Ronaldo was given extra leave for family reasons and did not play in the team’s pre-season matches. It was reported that the 37-year-old Portuguese star had been in Portugal.
However, the latest news from The Athletic says that Ronaldo will return to Manchester today (25 July local time) and hold talks with United about his future. Ronaldo had previously told United that he would like to leave this summer if he received the right offer.
United’s position remains that they will not sell Ronaldo and see him as an important part of the team for the new season. It is unclear whether he will join United for pre-season training on Tuesday, but he is expected to have a face-to-face meeting with Tenhaag in the coming days.
United, for their part, see his return as a positive sign. Sources surrounding the matter suggest that Ronaldo’s stay at United is becoming more likely, but the situation remains unclear.
Werner could leave Chelsea on loan this summer
Plettenberg says Werner could leave Chelsea on loan.
Werner started out in Stuttgart’s youth academy and joined Leipzig in 2016 for a €22.2 million transfer fee, where he grew into the Bundesliga’s top attacker, making 159 appearances and contributing 95 goals and 40 assists.
In the summer of 2020, Werner joined Chelsea for a €53 million transfer fee and has made 89 appearances so far, contributing 23 goals and 21 assists.
Juve official: Pogba suffers lateral meniscus injury
It’s official, Juventus midfielder Pogba has suffered a meniscus injury.
Juve officials said that Pogba, who has just returned, underwent a radiological examination after a previous injury and the results showed that he had suffered a lateral meniscus injury.
In the next few hours, Pogba will undergo a specialist orthopaedic consultation to determine how to proceed with treatment.
Sassuolo striker Scamacca to join West Ham United, here we go!
Romano writes: “Scamarca will join West Ham United, here we go! An agreement has been signed between the clubs and the player and the Italian striker will arrive in London today.”
“A medical is scheduled for Tuesday and the transfer fee is €36m fixed plus €6m floating, plus Sassuolo have a 10% share of the transfer. The deal has been completed.”
Scamarca, 23, made 38 appearances for Sassuolo last season, scoring 16 goals.
Tottenham Hotspur have officially announced the extension of defender Ben Davies’ contract until 2025.
Ben Davies has played a major rotation role since joining Spurs in 2014 and last season after Conte came in, he switched to playing left centre-back in a three-centre-back system and played out of position. He has played in 34 of the team’s 36 games since Conte’s arrival, appearing in 26 of the 27 league games.
Throughout the 2021-22 season, Ben Davies made 43 appearances for Spurs, the most since he joined the team. He also played a major role in Spurs’ come back into the Champions League in the second half of the season
Jules Kounde has agreed a four-year deal to join Barcelona from Sevilla
Barca are now getting closer to signing Kounde, with positive contact between the two sides in the morning, Barca have fully agreed on personal terms with Kounde and are now preparing a final offer.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are tired of waiting for the green light from Sevilla and are ready to pursue other options if Sevilla fail to make a decision soon.
Juve officially announces renewed partnership with EA starting with FIFA 23
THE TIMES
Jules Kounde has agreed a four-year deal to join Barcelona from Sevilla and send Chelsea back to the drawing board in their search for a centre-back.
DAILY STAR
Cesc Fabregas is set to announce his next move, with Serie B side Como favourites to sign the former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder.
DAILY MIRROR
Chelsea’s late move for RB Leipzig defender Nordi Mukiele looks doomed with the Frenchman set to return home to Paris Saint-Germain.
Diego Costa could be lining up against Manchester United this weekend as he closes on a move to Rayo Vallecano, who will be Erik ten Hag’s first Old Trafford opponents.
Seven players have withdrawn from Manly Sea Eagles’ NRL squad to face Sydney Roosters this weekend in protest at having to wear the club’s inclusive pride kit.
DAILY MAIL
Chelsea are struggling to find buyers for players they no longer want who cost them more than £180m and are draining the club of £700,000-a-week in wages.
Tottenham have made a move to sign Roma forward Niccolo Zainolo according to reports in Italy, but they will face competition from Juventus.
Erik ten Hag dropped an unnamed player from one of Manchester United’s tour games after he was twice late for team meetings.
DAILY RECORD
Hibs are being linked with a move for Nacional defender Joaquin Sosa, a Uruguay youth international who is currently on loan with Liverpool Montevideo.
Dundee United are set to add another Australian to their squad with left-back Aziz Behich closing on a move to Tannadice.
THE SUN
Newcastle United are set to open talks with Paris Saint-Germain over Germany midfielder Julian Draxler, who could be available for in excess of £17m.
Nottingham Forest are set to continue their busy summer of recruitment by signing Aaron Ramsey once his contract with Juventus is terminated.
Steve Cooper is also keen on bringing Stuttgart midfielder Orel Mangala to Nottingham Forest.
Cristiano Ronaldo is heading back to the United Kingdom and set to have face-to-face talks with new Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag for the first time in the coming days in which he will ask to leave the club immediately.
Alexis Sanchez is considering a shock move to Ligue 1 with Marseille with Inter Milan keen to get his wages off their books.
Dani Alves is continuing his professional career with Mexican side UNAM Pumas.
Leeds United and Everton have been offered the chance to sign Paris Saint-Germain defender Layvin Kurzawa.
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