LIONEL MESSI's father Jorge has insisted that there is no truth in the rumours linking the World Cup winner with a move to Saudi Arabia.
He said: “There is absolutely nothing with any club for next year. The decision will never be made before Lionel finished the league with PSG."
Meanwhile, Barcelona have confirmed that midfielder Sergio Busquets will leave the club at the end of the season after 15 seasons.
In other news, N'Golo Kante may extend his Chelsea contract if Mauricio Pochettino arrives at Stamford Bridge.
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- Henry Tomlinson
Toney backed for top club
Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino has urged Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal to sign Brentford star Ivan Toney.
He wrote in his Times column: "I cannot believe Ivan Toney’s improvement technically over the past 18 months. He was one of the best players at Anfield.
"The Brentford striker has added all sorts of deft touches to his game, such as the clever pass that assisted Bryan Mbeumo’s disallowed goal. He has a finesse which, dare I say it, echoes that of Dennis Bergkamp.
"Toney’s subtlety complements his stature and finishing. Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United should all consider a move."
Credit: PA - Henry Tomlinson
Blues to rival for Onana
Chelsea could look to hijack Manchester United's reported move for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Mauricio Pochettino, who is favourite for the Blues job, is believed to be keen on signing a new first-choice stopper and allowing one of Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy to leave the club.
Sky Italia journalist, Gianluca Di Marzio claims that Onana is one option that Chelsea could turn to.
He said: "I don’t know if they’ll make an offer in the next weeks, it’s [still] early.
"But Inter knows Onana is in the lists of Chelsea and Manchester United.
"Inter will ask for €50m (approx. £44m) minimum for him. And congratulations to Inter because they got him out of contract from Ajax [as a free agent]."
- Henry Tomlinson
United 'in talks with Kim'
Manchester United are in advanced talks to sign Napoli defender Kim Min-jae, according to reports.
Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb claim United are eager to activate his release clause.
The report suggests Kim's release clause with the newly-crowned Italian champions is between £43million and £52m.
The Red Devils will reportedly activate this clause in the first 15 days of June.
Negotiations between the two parties appear to have been ongoing for some time.
Credit: Getty
- Henry Tomlinson
More from Kahn
The former German international has also cast doubts on Bayern being in the running to sign Victor Osimhen.
Kahn is concerned over the players reported £130million price tag.
He said: "When it’s about such a fee, we have to ask the question: does the player give you a guarantee for this money?”.
"That would definitely be a big risk…"
- Henry Tomlinson
Bayern staying quiet on striker hunt
Oliver Kahn is keeping his cards close to his chest when asked about Bayern Munich's attempts to sign a new striker.
The club have been linked with Tottenham's Harry Kane and Manchester United transfer target Randal Kolo Muani.
He told BILD: "No comment on Harry Kane.
"I won’t say any thing on players who’re not our players”.
"Kolo Muani? Same.
"I don't want to talk about players of other clubs. But we're assessing the striker market."
Credit: Getty - Henry Tomlinson
City chase Italian prospect
Manchester City have joined the race to sign Italian prospect Cher Ndour.
The wonderkid is currently at Benfirca and has attracted interest from Manchester United in the past.
Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and AC Milan are all also considering summer swoops for the midfielder.
He has been compared to Paul Pogba – his childhood idol.
Credit: Getty - Henry Tomlinson
Forward thinking
Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a potential recording-breaking bid for Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos – and plan to partner him with Harry Kane.
Spurs and England striker Kane is United's main target this summer as Erik ten Hag looks to bolster his striking options.
While according to The Mirror, 21-year-old striker Ramos is seen as an exciting prospect for the future and has scored 25 goals in all competitions for the Portuguese giants this season.
And it is thought Erik ten Hag would like to pair the two at Old Trafford next season.
Read full story here
- Henry Tomlinson
Raphinha blasts 'fake news' about exit
Barcelona star Raphinha has slammed suggestions that he will be sold this summer.
The Brazilian has been linked with a return to the Premier League, with Arsenal and Newcastle reportedly interested in signing him.
But he has played down the rumours.
He said: "Fake news. Who shared that news is not well informed [and] not professional."
Credit: Getty - Henry Tomlinson
Barcelona confirm Busquets exit
Barcelona have confirmed that Sergio Busquets will leave the club at the end of the season after 18 years at the Nou Camp.
Following the news, the midfielder said: "It has been an honour, a draw and a source of pride to have been able to wear this badge but everything must come to an end.
"It has been an easy decision but the time has come.
"All those people who have accompanied me on this journey, as well as the members and fans."
Credit: Getty
- Henry Tomlinson
United make 'massive Bellingham bid'
Manchester United have reported tabled a £104million offer for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham.
The midfielder is one of the hottest talents in Europe right now and is believed to be close to a move to Real Madrid.
However, the Red Devils are going to try their luck by striking a deal with the Bundesliga side, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.
Credit: Getty - Henry Tomlinson
Busquets' agent to meet with Saudi clubs
Sergio Busquets' agent is reportedly due to meet with Al Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Shabab over a move in the summer.
This is accorinding to Mundo Deportivo, who claims that Al Hilal are the only club to have put an offer on the table for the midfielder.
The club also wants to sign his former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi.
Credit: Getty - Henry Tomlinson
Palhinha would be 'without risk'
Glen Johnson believes Fulham star João Palhinha would be a great signing for Chelsea as he has proved his abilities in the Premier League already.
He told GGRecon: "He would certainly be a signing without risk as we’ve all seen what he can do for Fulham this season in the Premier League.
"Is he the player they need right now though? I’m not too sure. You can completely understand why a lot of the big clubs are interested in him and I’m sure he’d be even better when he’s surrounded with greater-quality players.
"If there’s a sensible way in which they can get this transfer done, then I’m sure Chelsea’s owners will be looking at that."
Credit: Getty - Henry Tomlinson
Milinkovic-Savic to decide future
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic will discuss his future with Lazio at the end of the season, according to his agent Mateja Kezman.
The midfielder has been linked with a move to the Premier League over the last few years and his contract is running down at the Serie A club.
Kezman told Il Corriere dello Sport: “We’ve spoken many times with the president, deciding that we’ll discuss everything at the end of the season, especially now that Lazio need peace.
“That’s why everyone at Lazio must remain united. Four games remain, and I am sure they will play in the Champions League next season.”
He has been linked with moves to Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and West Ham in the past.
- Henry Tomlinson
'Nothing in Messi rumours'
Lionel Messi's father Jorge has insisted that there is no truth in the rumours linking his son with a move to Saudi Arabia.
He said: “There is absolutely nothing with any club for next year. The decision will never be made before Lionel finished the league with PSG.
'Once the season is over it will be time to analyse and see what is there, and then make a decision.
“There are always rumours and many use the name of Lionel to gain notoriety but the truth is only one and we can assure that there is nothing with anyone. Neither verbal, nor signed, nor agreed, and there will not be until the end of the season.
“It seems to me a lack of respect towards the media where they respond, that there are those who consciously and deliberately deceive, without providing any proof of their claims, and wanting to turn any malicious rumour into news or that is directed by someone in favour of their interests.
“They would have to explain why they don't contrast the information… They don't want a truth to ruin their ‘news’.”
Credit: AFP - Henry Tomlinson
Chelsea 'should sign Messi'
Lionel Messi should move to Chelsea and continue to play at the highest level, according to Glen Johnson.
On whether or not Messi should move to the Blues, Johnson told Betfred: "We don’t know how realistic this move is, but it’s all down to what Messi wants to do next.
"Does he want to remain at the highest level of the game and try and win the Premier League or does he want to play somewhere like the MLS and play in a desirable location with good weather?
"If he still wants to play at the top level, then every major club is going to do everything they can to try and sign him because of the revenue he can generate for clubs and despite his age, he’s still one of the best players in the world."
Credit: Reuters
- Henry Tomlinson
Dalot praises potential De Gea replacement
Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has heaped praise on Porto star Diogo Costa.
The goalkeeper has been linked with the Red Devils as a replacement for the error-prone David De Gea.
Dalot said at an event in Portugal: “I grew up with him, he’s my friend, there’s a great relationship between us and I know perfectly well that he has the capacity to one day be world-class.
“I don’t know if he’ll be at Manchester United or another big club in Europe.
“He shows at Porto that he is a differential goalkeeper and has helped the club a lot. If he continues there, I’ll be extremely happy.
“If he leaves, I hope he has the greatest success in the world.”
- Henry Tomlinson
'Surprise' if Xhaka leaves
David Seaman has admitted that he would be "surprised" if Granit Xhaka left the club this summer.
The midfielder has been linked with a transfer to Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.
Season said on his Seaman Says podcast: "Really? I would be surprised if that happened. The only way that that happens is if they have someone like Rice already lined up.
"I don’t want us to be letting players who have played most games this season go. Even Xhaka, he’s had a great season.
"I don’t want to see experienced players like that leaving the club, we still need him for a few more seasons, because not only if he doesn’t start he can be strength in depth."
Credit: Getty - Henry Tomlinson
Kante deal 'could rely on Poch'
Mauricio Pochettino's potential arrival at Chelsea could see N'Golo Kante extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.
The midfielder's contract expires at the end of the season but has been in negotiation over an extension for months.
But according to The Telegraph, Kante and Pochettino have a "bromance" and the Argentine's arrival could seal Kante's new contract.
- Henry Tomlinson
Hammers plan bidding war
West Ham are reportedly hoping to pit clubs against each other in the race for Declan Rice.
Arsenal are heavily interested in signing the England midfielder this summer, while the Blues have been linked with him regularly over the last couple of years.
Liverpool, Manchester City and cross-city rivals Manchester United have also been tipped with interest.
While the Hammers are keen to keep hold of Rice, they accept he may leave the club this summer.
However, with Jude Bellingham likely to move to Real Madrid, West Ham are trying to incite a bidding war to drive up his price, according to CBS.
Credit: Reuters - Henry Tomlinson
United to 'step up Ramos interest'
Manchester United are reportedly ready to step up their interest in Goncalo Ramos.
According to The Mirror, the Portuguese forward is wanted by manager Erik ten Hag.
The report suggests that the Red Devils are set to contact Benfica over a summer transfer.
This season he has scored 25 goals in all competitions.
Credit: EPA - Henry Tomlinson
Clubs 'rushing Lavia deal'
Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly trying to seal a deal for Southampton star Romeo Lavia this summer to beat Manchester City to his signature.
The Citizens have a buyback clause in his contract but it is only valid in 2024.
Fabrizio Romano said on his YouTube channel: “Arsenal and Chelsea are among the clubs following Romeo Lavia ahead of the summer.
“Manchester City also still really appreciate the player after they sold him to Southampton, but there is a buy-back clause option for City, only valid in 2024, meaning other clubs can try to attack the situation this summer.
“For Chelsea, it could depend on the new manager, but Joe Shields, head of recruitment at Stamford Bridge, knows Lavia well from his time at both Man City and Southampton.”
Credit: Getty
- Henry Tomlinson
Kane drops hint on future
Manchester United and Chelsea transfer target Harry Kane has hinted at staying at Tottenham.
Despite a 15th campaign without a trophy, Kane is convinced managerless Spurs can be competitive ‘with the right people’ at the helm.
Kane, who has scored 26 Premier League goals with 11 match-winners this campaign, revealed at the weekend he intends to meet Daniel Levy before the end of the season to hear future plans.
Read full story here
Credit: Getty - Anthony Chapman
Good morning footy fans
Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi has reportedly agreed to move to Saudi Arabia next season.
Messi will leave PSG once his contract expires in June with reports suggesting Al-Hilal offered him a whopping new deal.
According to Agence France-Presse, a "huge" contract is "done" involving the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.
There is talk of a £400million agreement with Al-Hilal that would make him the highest-paid athlete ever.
That would see the Argentina international overtaking rival Cristiano Ronaldo, with whom he would rekindle his rivalry as the Manchester United legend now plays for Al-Nassr.
Meanwhile, United star David de Gea has agreed on a contract extension with the club.
According to The Telegraph, De Gea and the Red Devils have reached an agreement to extend his 12-year stay at Old Trafford.
The goalkeeper's £375,000-per-week wages have been reduced but his new deal involves incentives for matches played as well as performance-based add-ons.
The Spain international is now waiting on the Red Devils to sign off the agreement before issuing an official announcement.
And Barcelona star Raphinha’s agent is determined to convince his client to return to the Premier League.
According to Sport, Chelsea icon Deco has flown to the Catalan capital to meet with the winger and Barca officials.
The goal of the Blaugrana legend and now football agent is to convince the ex-Leeds star to accept one of the Premier League offers he has.
The 26-year-old is one of the players the Catalan giants would be willing to sell to carry out the adjustment plan demanded by LaLiga to comply with Financial Fair Play rules.
The Brazilian has been linked with a move to Newcastle as well as Chelsea ahead of the summer transfer window.
Finally, Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic has hinted at a summer move to the Premier League.
That is according to 90Min, who claim Vlahovic wants to play in the UK next term.
Arsenal, United, Chelsea, Newcastle and Aston Villa are all keeping tabs on the Serbia international.
The Gunners tried to sign the striker before his move to Juve from Fiorentina in 2022.
- Kostas Lianos
'Key' to Messi future
Newcastle hold the key to Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi's future as Barcelona need to raise funds in order to re-sign their club legend.
The Magpies are interested in landing Barca star Raphinhia and a transfer worth up to £70million could help the LaLiga giants' financial position.
Taht would allow the Balugrana to be able to afford to bring Messi back to the Nou Camp.
However, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has also been linked with a lucrative move to Al-Hilal.
- Kostas Lianos
De Gea agrees extension
Manchester United star David de Gea has agreed on a contract extension with the club.
According to The Telegraph, De Gea and United have reached an agreement to extend his 12-year stay at Old Trafford.
The goalkeeper's £375,000-per-week salary has been reduced but his new deal involves incentives for matches played as well as performance-based add-ons.
The Spain international is now waiting on the Red Devils to sign off the agreement before making an official announcement.
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