Liverpool have accepted an offer from Bournemouth for defender Brad Smith, sources from both clubs revealed. Bournemouth have tabled a £6 million bid for Australia international Smith as they look to bolster their defensive options. Smith, who is currently away with Liverpool on their tour of America, is set to return to England to hold talks with the Cherries. The 22-year-old, a Liverpool academy graduate, almost left Anfield last summer when his contract expired before he finally agreed a new deal shortly after the arrival of Jurgen Klopp last September. He went on to play a backup role to Alberto Moreno last season, making 10 appearances in total, but Klopp is willing to let him move on as he is the market for a new left-back this summer. If … [Read more...]
Andre Schurrle can replace Mkhitaryan at Dortmund- Thomas Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel is confident Andre Schurrle can fill the void left by Henrikh Mkhitaryan at Borussia Dortmund. Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel feels Andre Schurrle is the perfect replacement for Henrikh Mkhitaryan following the latter's departure to Manchester United. Mkhitaryan enjoyed an impressive 2015-16 campaign, but BVB opted to cash in on the attacking midfielder following his refusal to sign a contract renewal. They subsequently turned to Schurrle to fill the void left by the Armenia international and Tuchel has little doubt the 25-year-old will become a key figure after joining from Wolfsburg. "With Mkhitaryan's departure, we have lost a player who can play on the wings and there are not a whole lot of players like him. Schurrle is … [Read more...]
Benteke closer to Anfield exit as Palace remain hopeful of signing striker
Crystal Palace remain in pole position to land Christian Benteke and are still hopeful of persuading Liverpool to lower their asking price, according to reports. The Croydon Advertiser says that the Eagles are still leading the chase for the Belgium international and remain hopeful of bartering down Liverpool’s asking price. Benteke scored 10 goals in 42 appearances for the Reds in a disappointing season for the striker and now finds himself behind Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Danny Ings in the pecking order, while Roberto Firmino also remains an option as a central striker following the summer signings of Georginio Wijnaldum and Sadio Mane sale The 25-year-old, who was brought in by previous manager Brendan Rodgers, doesn’t fit into Jurgen Klopp’s … [Read more...]
Bellerin dismisses Arsenal exit rumours
Hector Bellerin has appeared to distance himself from claims he could look to leave Arsenal this summer after posting a message on social media following his return to the club from a holiday. The Spain full-back has been linked with a £43million move to Manchester City , where his former Barcelona academy coach Pep Guardiola is now in charge, while quotes from the player did little to dampen reports the Spanish champions are also keen on re-signing him. However, although saying nothing about his future at the club, the player did at least tweet the following after his return to pre-season training with the Gunners. Nice to be back at home 3:51 PM - 23 Jul 2016 Héctor Bellerín @HectorBellerin Follow The Gunners are reportedly in talks with … [Read more...]
Wojciech Szczesny to finalise move to Roma
Wojciech Szczesny is at last set to finalise his move from Arsenal to Roma this week after the Gunners agreed to allow the Polish international to depart. The move was held up last week , apparently due to the Gunners unwillingness to let the Polish leave while current back-up goalkeeper David Ospina faced an uncertain future, with Besiktas rumoured to be considering a move for his services. However, both Il Tempo and Sky Sport Italia now report that any issues have been ironed out after the Pole was left out of Arsenal’s pre-season squad for their trip to California. Instead, he will fly to Rome and it is expected that the deal will be confirmed and he will be announced as a Roma player once again by Tuesday. Szczesny is set to join on another loan … [Read more...]
Romelu Lukaku set for a possible return back Chelsea
Romelu Lukaku has made a return to Chelsea his ‘number one option’ this summer, according to reports. Sources claims that Lukaku believes that a move back to Stamford Bridge is still possible and is determined to leave Goodison Park as soon as possible. And the report also states that the 23-year-old has told his mates that he feels he has ‘unfinished business in London’ and would like to explore the possibility of a return. Lukaku scored 18 Premier League goals last term with only Jamie Vardy, Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero finishing ahead of him in the 2015/16 top scorers list. Ronald Koeman, who was appointed the new Everton boss in June , is already lining up replacements, with Everton believed to have raised the Belgian’s asking price to £75million … [Read more...]
Arsenal target Higuain set for Juventus medical
Arsenal appear set to miss out on Gonzalo Higuain, with the Napoli striker reportedly undergoing a medical at Juventus. Earlier this month, reports suggested Arsenal were trying to broker a part-exchange deal for the striker and had offered Olivier Giroud to Napoli in return. However, according to Sky Italia, Juventus are poised to land the Argentina international, although the two clubs remain in negotiations for a fee. Last season, the 28-year-old broke a Serie A record in scoring 36 goals and is understood to have a €94.7 million release clause in his contract. Juventus have already weakened one of their title rivals, having signed Miralem Pjanic from Roma, … [Read more...]