EVERTON are making a final push to hire Rafa Benitez as their manager, despite a fan backlash over the appointment of the former Liverpool boss.
Alisher Usmanov and Farhad Moshiri are looking for a new manager after Carlo Ancelotti left Goodison Park to return to Real Madrid.
Meanwhile Tottenham have been knocked back by yet another manager after making a "dizzying" offer to Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui.
And champions Manchester City have reportedly offered up £100MILLION to Spurs for Harry Kane's signature, though Daniel Levy has NO desire to accept the deal.
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- Gary Stonehouse
GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS
SunSport can exclusively reveal Alisher Usmanov is the driving force behind the move to make Rafa Benitez Everton’s new boss.
He was instrumental in the appointment of Sam Allardyce and Moshiri sought his advice before bringing in Marco Silva as Big Sam’s replacement.
And despite a large number of fans unhappy with the thought of former Liverpool boss Benitez in charge, Moshiri is intent on making the Spaniard the fifth manager since he took over five years ago.
Meanwhile, SunSport understands Man United are closing in on an £80million deal to buy Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.
The Old Trafford club made a £72m bid yesterday but they are prepared to go to £80m to get their man.
Personal terms based on a five-year deal worth £350,000-a-week have already been agreed.
United also spoke to Erling Haaland before the Euros, but the Dortmund striker has his heart set on a move to Real Madrid.
Elsewhere, Chelsea transfer target Niklas Sule could extend his Bayern Munich contract, according to reports.
The defender is set to become a free agent in 2022.
But he is now in talks with Bayern over an extension, dealing a blow to Chelsea’s hopes this summer.
The Blues could also miss out on Achraf Hakimi, with the Inter Milan star reportedly agreeing personal terms with Inter Milan.
Finally, Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui has rejected a 'dizzying' offer from Tottenham.
Club president Jose Castro told Cadena Ser: "Julen rang me and told me.
"He said he'd received offers he'd not listened to in addition to a dizzying one from Tottenham.
"But he said he doesn't forget things and that he is very motivated here.”
- Anthony Chapman
EXCLUSIVE BY KEN LAWRENCE
Alisher Usmanov is the driving force behind the move to make Rafa Benitez Everton’s new boss.
The influence of the Russian oligarch — a close friend of Toffees owner Farhad Moshiri — is growing behind the scenes at Goodison.
He was instrumental in the appointment of Sam Allardyce and Moshiri sought his advice before bringing in Marco Silva as Big Sam’s replacement.
And despite a large number of fans unhappy with the thought of former Liverpool boss Benitez in charge, Moshiri is intent on making the Spaniard the fifth manager since he took over five years ago.
- Anthony Chapman
FROM SUNSPORT’S NEIL CUSTIS
Man United are closing in on an £80million deal to buy Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.
The Old Trafford club made a £72m bid yesterday but they are prepared to go to £80m to get their man.
Personal terms based on a five-year deal worth £350,000-a-week have already been agreed.
United also spoke to Erling Haaland before the Euros, but the Dortmund striker has his heart set on a move to Real Madrid.
- Anthony Chapman
KOL ME MAYBE
Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac is reportedly being chased by Lazio and Fenerbahce amid uncertainty over his future.
Football London claims the left-back is set for an immediate exit after returning from a loan spell at Schalke.
Olympiacos are also in the running, having signed Sokratis from Arsenal in January.
But Fenerbahce could be Kolasinac’s preferred destination, as it would see him reunited with pal Mesut Ozil.
- Anthony Chapman
RAM BLOW
Aaron Ramsey’s agent has shot down talk of a return to Arsenal this summer.
The Wales and Juventus playmaker, who left the Emirates in 2019 when his contract expired, has been linked with a second Gunners stint after two injury-hit seasons in Italy.
But Ramsey's representative David Baldwin cooled talk of the 30-year-old midfielder making a Premier League comeback to North London or beyond.
Responding to a tweet from an Arsenal fan account, Baldwin tweeted: "I’m sorry but can you stop making things up please. There is not a shred of truth in your tweet."
- Anthony Chapman
NOT FOR SULE
Chelsea transfer target Niklas Sule could extend his Bayern Munich contract, according to reports.
The defender is set to become a free agent in 2022.
But he is now in talks with Bayern over an extension, dealing a blow to Chelsea’s hopes this summer.
- Anthony Chapman
WEL I NEVER
Ex-Man United and Arsenal ace Danny Welbeck has signed on for another year at Brighton.
The striker, 30, was a hit at the Amex last term after joining as a free agent on a one-year deal from relegated Watford.
He played a key role in the Seagulls beating the drop, scoring six goals and grabbing three assists in 24 league appearances.
- Anthony Chapman
LUK’S OUT
Ex-Man United star Romelu Lukaku batted away the question of joining Manchester City when ex-Etihad ace Trevor Sinclair asked him outright in a Twitter Q&A.
Sinclair wrote: “Fancy the blue half of Manchester Rom?"
But Inter Milan star Lukaku, strongly linked with a return to Chelsea, simply replied: "I am happy at inter" – along with a smiling emoji.
- Anthony Chapman
GOR BLIMEY
Leon Goretzka has emerged as a target for Real Madrid and Barcelona, as well as a host of Premier League clubs.
Bayern Munich are in talks over extending the midfielder's contract, which runs out in 2022.
According to German outlet Sport1, a deal is very much in sight with Bayern determined not to lose the player.
But interest is high with Premier League clubs as well as Real Madrid and Barcelona reportedly contacting his new representatives.
- Anthony Chapman
SAN-GO
Man Utd have reportedly finally agreed to meet Borussia Dortmund’s £77m valuation of Jadon Sancho.
United have already had bids in excess of £67m turned down for Sancho with Dortmund demanding a 'take-it-or-leave-it' offer of £77m.
German outlet BILD claim the Red Devils have now gone back to the Bundesliga side with a new offer that has met their valuation.
The report added that the deal could be concluded in the coming days with the 21-year-old set to finally become a United player.
- Anthony Chapman
VAR OUT
Real Madrid are reportedly ready to sell Raphael Varane after the Manchester United target asked for a new challenge.
A summer transfer is said to be the 28-year-old's desire following a decade at the Bernabeu.
Varane is out of contract in a year's time and Los Blancos do not want to lose him on a free while battling the pandemic financial crisis.
According to The Athletic, a bid as little as £40million could persuade Real to sell up after talks with the player's representatives.
- Anthony Chapman
CROWN JULE
Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui has rejected a 'dizzying' offer from Tottenham.
Club president Jose Castro told Cadena Ser: "Julen rang me and told me.
"He said he'd received offers he'd not listened to in addition to a dizzying one from Tottenham.
"But he said he doesn't forget things and that he is very motivated here.
"We believed and believe in him, giving him a two-year contract extension, and I'm sure he will bring much more to the club. You see his ability and leadership every day.
"Some coaches are more driven by economic factors but Julen is very clear that he is happy here and he even said it would be very difficult to find a better place to work than here."
- Anthony Chapman
RAM RAID
Chelsea have joined Man Utd in the transfer race to land Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos, according to reports.
AS claims Thomas Tuchel wants Ramos to add depth to his centre-back options.
But the Spaniard would prefer a move to Paris Saint-Germain as he wants to play alongside Neymar.
- Anthony Chapman
OH MY ROD
Everton playmaker James Rodriguez is reportedly looking to depart the club after just one year spent at Goodison Park.
According to the Daily Mail, Rodriguez – left out of Colombia's Copa America squad – is ready to leave Everton with his agent Jorge Mendes contacting potential suitors.
Former side Real Madrid have been credited with an interest, though it is unlikely that Rodriguez will be reunited with Carlo Ancelotti for a fourth time.
It’s claimed LaLiga champions Atletico Madrid have been offered the chance to sign Rodriguez, as well as Serie A clubs Napoli and AC Milan.
- Joshua Mbu
GUNNING FOR GLORY
Angus Gunn has returned to Norwich City, leaving Southampton!
- Joshua Mbu
LONG-TERM FUTURE
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists Donny van de Beek has a future at Man Utd.
But the Dutch international is constantly being linked with a move away from Old Trafford.
Should van de Beek leave, it would see him leave the English giants after just one season.
One place van de Beek is being linked with a move to is Italy.
But FCInterNews say Inter Milan are unlikely to make an approach for the player, ruling them out.
- Joshua Mbu
STAYING PUT
Paul Pogba will NOT leave Man Utd this summer despite being linked with a move away.
And United are not locked in any negotiations with any clubs over the Frenchman, according to Fabrizio Romano.
United want to tie Pogba down to a new deal, but negotiations are not in the advanced stage yet.
- Joshua Mbu
CALVERT-LEWIN’S AMBITION
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has revealed that he is happy at his current club Everton.
But also has stated his ambition to play in the Champions League.
Speaking to L’Equipe, he said: “I am happy at Everton.
“I worked hard to become number nine at this club and score goals like I did recently. Personally, I have the ambition to one day play in the Champions League and win titles.
“But for now, I’m happy at Everton.”
Arsenal are keen on bringing the England international to the Emirates, but it could take some convincing.
- Joshua Mbu
HAPPY GLIMOUR
Norwich are close to signing Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour on loan for the 2021-22 season.
According to Paddy Davitt, Gilmour is on his way.
AND Norwich are looking to wrap up a deal for Celtic's Kristoffer Ajer. Good start to the transfer window!
- Joshua Mbu
HAMMER BLOW
West Ham target Paul Onuachu has revealed that he'd like to join Arsenal.
The 6ft7 striker had a fruitful season in front of goal for Genk, scoring 35 goals across all competitions last season.
Speaking to Voetbal Nieuws, he said: "I really like Arsenal.
"(Emmanuel) Adebayor, one of the players I admired most, played there.
"I really was a fan of him, as well as Kanu. I really love watching Arsenal too.”
- Joshua Mbu
XHAK AXED
Roma are pushing to complete the signing of Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka.
According to respected Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Roma are working to complete a deal for the Arsenal midfielder.
And Xhaka himself is pushing to leave for Italy.
Jose Mourinho’s side are also looking to sign Wolves goalkeeper Rui Patricio.
If Patricio leaves for Italy, Jose Sa will take up the No1 shirt.
- Joshua Mbu
BUF'S BACK
Legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has returned to Parma 20 years after leaving for Juventus.
- Joshua Mbu
GUEN TOO PRICEY
Arsenal outcast Matteo Guendouzi could be priced out of a move away from north London.
The Frenchman is being tracked by a host of European clubs including Marseille, Borussia Dortmund and Benfica.
However, La Provence reports that the Gunners want £17.1million, which is too much for the three interested clubs to afford.
Marseille are reluctant to stump up the cash, and would rather take the youngster on loan for the season.
- Joshua Mbu
TARK NO GO
West Ham have decided against making a move for Burnley's James Tarkowski.
The England defender has been a target of West Ham's for some time and were heavily linked with a move last summer.
But the two clubs couldn't agree on a transfer fee.
Wolves are also interested in signing Tarkowski, and Burnley have already made moves to fill the potential void.
Burnley have agreed a deal to sign Nathan Collins from Stoke City, for a reported fee of £12million.
- Joshua Mbu
LEW BEAUTY
Arsenal are interested in signing Man Utd and Real Madrid target Dominic Calvert-Lewin, according to reports.
The Gunners are looking to bolster their attacking options this summer in a bid to fire themselves back into European contention.
According to The Telegraph, Arsenal will push to sign the England international with Alexandre Lacazette’s future at the club uncertain.
The striker scored 21 goals in 39 appearances for Everton last season.
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