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Real Madrid man highlights why he gets stick, dry your eyes Savage
The European Championships have reached the knockout stage, and the first two games on Saturday delivered plenty of entertainment. Denmark’s demolition job on Wales was fantastic viewing, particularly if you enjoy listening to Robbie Savage make a fool of himself on national television. Italy were pushed hard by Austria in their last-16 tie, but Roberto Mancini’s team eventually got over the line after extra time. Dry your eyes Savage Having suffered Robbie Savage’s biased commentary on the BBC as Wales beat Turkey in the group stage, it was great to listen to his efforts as his glory boys were humiliated by Denmark. With the Danes leading 3-0, there was a wondrous two or three minute period where the normally motor-mouthed Welshman was completely silent. Robbie Savage saying “Wales look t...
Arsenal join Liverpool in race to sign 29-cap international shining at Euro 2020 – report
Arsenal have joined Liverpool in expressing an interest in signing Lille midfielder Renato Sanches this summer, 90min reports. The Gunners are planning an overhaul of their midfield options with Granit Xhaka, Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi looking set to leave. They are in advanced negotiations to sign Anderlecht’s Albert Sambi Lokonga, but it is reported that they are eyeing more than one midfielder. It is now revealed that the club have made contact with Sanchez’s intermediaries to find out whether the Portuguese is available in the transfer market. Lille recently won the Ligue 1 title, but it is reported that they could sell Sanchez for a profit on the €25 million spent in 2019. Liverpool are also keeping tabs on the 29-cap international as they line up a replacement for the r...
Manchester United will focus on €55m Arsenal target after Jadon Sancho signing – report
Manchester United have joined Arsenal and Real Madrid in the race to sign Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga this summer, The Mail reports. The 18-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best young midfielders in Ligue 1, and he has recently been linked with Arsenal and Madrid. The Gunners have reportedly identified him as one of their priority targets, but United have now joined the pursuit of the Frenchman. The Red Devils missed out on signing teenage midfielder Jude Bellingham last summer as he made the move to Borussia Dortmund. The Mancunian giants consider Camavinga as an alternative, and are prepared to compete for his signature amid his contract stand-off. The club are currently focused on sealing the deal for Jadon Sancho, and will then step up their efforts to sign the France ...
‘Who needs Declan Rice’: Some Chelsea fans react to ‘masterclass’ performance from 25-year-old
A selection of Chelsea fans hailed the performance of Andreas Christensen during Denmark’s stunning 4-0 win over Wales at Euro 2020. The Danes progressed to the last eight of the competition with a sublime showing in Amsterdam where Christensen excelled from his midfield role. The Blues star initially started on the right side of a back three for Denmark, but was shifted to midfield after a dominating 15 minutes for Wales. The 25-year-old produced a solid display from the centre of the park, and he did a brilliant job of man-marking and nullifying the threat of Aaron Ramsey. He dropped back into defence after the hour mark. Some Blues fans were delighted with his display and believe he could play a similar role at club level. Twitter reactions: Andreas Christensen is some player 👏 ...
Barcelona identify €35m star as ideal replacement for Inter Milan-linked Jordi Alba – report
Barcelona have identified Valencia defender Jose Gaya as the ideal replacement for Inter Milan target Jordi Alba, Marca reports. Alba has been with the club for the past nine years, where he has been an excellent contributor from the left-back role. However, there are suggestions that he could leave them for Inter. The club are open to negotiating his departure. They need to reduce their wage bill to comply with La Liga rules, and are willing to sell Alba, who earns £150,000-a-week. Gaya earns just one-third of those wages at Valencia. He has stood out for them despite their league struggles in recent years. Sportslens view: Gaya has been a long-term target for the Blaugrana, but they haven’t come close to landing his services from Los Che. The assurance of regular game time has been ...
Barcelona and Tottenham men impress, Serie A player MOTM – Wales 0-4 Denmark Player Ratings
Wales were eliminated from Euro 2020 after a ruthless Denmark performance in the round of 16 on Saturday. It was a bright start from Wales, who had the better of the opening 20 minutes. They twice came close to opening the scoring when Gareth Bale struck wide from distance. But Denmark managed to take control of the game and got themselves ahead in the 27th minute. Kasper Dolberg, who was standing in for the injured Yussuf Poulsen, curled one into the far corner from the edge of the box after being fed by Mikkel Damsgaard. Things went from bad to worse for Robert Page’s men when right-back Connor Roberts picked up a groin injury. He was substituted off and replaced by Liverpool’s Neco Williams. Denmark continued to dominate the first half and almost got themselves a second just before the ...
Rangers ready to sell 25-year-old this summer, Champions League club interested – report
Rangers have named their asking price for striker Alfredo Morelos amid the transfer interest from Porto, Football Insider reports. Morelos has been a huge success for Rangers over the past four seasons, but he could be on the move with their recent signing of Fashion Sakala. He currently has two years remaining on his Rangers contract, and a new deal appears unlikely due to his excessive wage demands. Rangers have set a price tag of £13 million for the player’s services. However, Porto are only willing to pay around £10m for the Colombian. Sportslens view: Morelos has improved his discipline over the past year, and he has avoided any sending-offs. This should boost his chances of pursuing a bigger challenge elsewhere. Porto are a lucrative option with the chance to play Champions League fo...
Club expecting bid imminently as Villa reportedly want to make 23y/o record signing
Aston Villa are ready to spend up to £40 million to sign Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham this summer, according to the Mirror. The 23-year-old is not in manager Thomas Tuchel’s long-term plans and has been told he is free to leave the club. Villa manager Dean Smith wants to wrap up his side’s transfer business as quickly as possible to start preparations for the upcoming season, and Chelsea are expecting a bid imminently. Sportslens View Abraham spent 2018-19 on loan at Villa Park, scoring 25 goals in 37 Championship games to help the Midlands outfit win promotion to the Premier League. The England international remains admired by the fans and Smith, and a move back could delight him as he looks to revive his international career. Abraham is also out of favour with the national team, and he ...
Roma man impresses again, ex-Premier League forward also does well – Italy 2-1 Austria Player Ratings
Italy made it to the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 after a tough evening against Austria. The first chance of note came in the 17th minute. Leonardo Spinazzola got down the left and played a low cross to Nicolo Barella, whose shot was denied by the right foot of Daniel Bachmann. Austria responded with a chance of their own. Marcel Sabitzer floated a ball over the top for Marko Arnautovic, but the former West Ham United forward fired over on the half-volley. The closest either side came to opening the scoring came through Ciro Immobile. The Lazio man hit a shot from 30 yards which clipped the outside of the post. Italy had the better of the first half, registering 11 attempts to Austria’s one. Nonetheless, the two sides went into the break level. Austria came out in the second half showing mu...
Everton keen on signing 31-cap international but he could reject them again – report
Roma defender Chris Smalling has no plans of joining Everton despite his uncertain future at the Serie A outfit, The Mail reports. The England international has spent the past two seasons with Roma and has been a regular starter for them when fit for selection. Despite this, there have been question marks regarding his future due to his mixed relationship with new manager Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese previously questioned the defender’s commitment at Manchester United when injured, and there are suggestions that he could move on. It was recently reported that the Toffees had expressed an interest in his services, but it appears that Smalling has no desire to join them. The 31-cap international previously snubbed their advances before he made the move to Roma from United on an initial loan...
West Ham handed big boost in signing £22.5m star with 159 Premier League appearances
West Ham United have been handed a boost in signing Burnley defender James Tarkowski this summer, Football Insider reports. The England international was on the radar of the Hammers last summer, but the Clarets refused to sanction his sale. The Hammers were willing to pay up to £30 million for the centre-back, but the Clarets were firm on their £50m valuation. Tarkowski has since turned down an extension with Sean Dyche’s side, and he could be sold for a knockdown price this summer. With just 12 months left on his contract, the Clarets are open to selling him. The Hammers could renew their interest in his services. Sportslens view: West Ham failed to land a high-profile centre-back last summer, and they ended up signing Craig Dawson on loan from Watford. The 31-year-old proved a ...
Barcelona want Chelsea star as Junior Firpo’s replacement, Serie A giants also interested – report
Barcelona could revive their interest in signing Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso with Junior Firpo likely to leave the club this summer, Mundo Deportivo claims. Firpo has been linked with numerous clubs in recent weeks, and West Ham United have recently emerged as front-runners to sign him. It is now reported that the Blaugrana are braced for his exit, and could look into signing Alonso as a suitable replacement. The Catalan giants had agreed terms with the Spaniard last summer, but a deal failed to materialise after Firpo stayed put. Alonso has received more game time since Thomas Tuchel took charge, but it is suggested that the Blues would be open to his sale. Inter Milan are long-term admirers of Alonso, and they have also been credited with an interest in his services this summer. Sport...
