MK Dons boss Warne targets new left-back
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The Independent
28 minutes ago
- The Independent
How Arsenal silently hijacked Spurs' Eberechi Eze transfer well before anyone knew
Just hours before Arsenal clinched a deal for Eberechi Eze, somewhat cruelly, Tottenham Hotspur finally put in the offer they felt would be acceptable to Crystal Palace. There had been a verbal agreement. Spurs just never got a proper answer. After days of difficult and painstaking negotiations between Daniel Levy and Steve Parish, Arsenal had appeared to steal in within a matter of mere hours. That has already seen this move cast as the mother of all transfer hijackings, especially with how it is another North London derby victory. Except, it wasn't really a hijacking at all. The Independent can now reveal that Arsenal had actually struck the principles of an agreement with Palace as early as the morning of Sunday 10 August. They managed to keep it extraordinarily quiet, as illustrated by how it was only after Wednesday evening's sensations that multiple sources were willing to talk about it. There was also the fact that, in those nine days, it didn't look like Arsenal would follow through on that agreement. The word put out was that they wanted to sell before any other purchase, and that they preferred a left winger. Interest in Eze was repeatedly played down. There had been a lot of mixed messages, which fit with the whole summer as regards Arsenal and the Palace star. Levy might certainly feel that now. The situation has led to some surprising sympathy for the Spurs chairman within the game. Their own negotiations for Eze had encountered repeated difficulties, as first reported by The Independent on Saturday night. The problems actually preceded that. Talks almost collapsed the Thursday before, and there were constant hold-ups over issues like add-ons and how much was being paid up front. Just when one issue was solved, another would arise. One description over the last few days was that 'the deal is both almost done and constantly at the point of collapse'. There is now a belief, especially within Spurs, that Palace were stalling. They were waiting for Arsenal to come back. It nevertheless looked so remote by Saturday that Eze himself had accepted Arsenal wasn't going to happen. He even spoke to Parish to try and get his move sorted, as Levy and the Palace chairman met on Monday morning. Eze was genuinely excited about joining Tottenham. It just wasn't the one he really wanted. His dream was a move to Arsenal. That suddenly looked like it would become a reality on Wednesday morning. Arsenal finally acted on that deal. That shift will be linked to Kai Havertz's injury but there is actually hope the German's absence won't be that long, maybe less than three months. The Havertz development just accelerated everything. Arsenal wanted to make sure they didn't miss out. Parish and Arsenal executive vice-chairman Tim Lewis have a closer relationship than Parish and Levy, even if they often bicker. They WhatsApp a lot about regulations and other in-game issues. That helped by Wednesday, especially given that Sunday 10 August agreement. Arsenal also have more players they can offer who Palace need. It is possible a deal is next done for Jakub Kiwior, given how Oliver Glasner's side need a centre-half on that side. Everything could happen very quickly. Arsenal, for their part, still had to pay more than the initial agreement. That was to ensure it actually got done over Spurs. Whereas the previous deal had been for £50m plus £10m in add-ons, this is for £60m and £7.5m in add-ons – pretty much exactly Eze's release clause, which expired for this window on Thursday. It is understood to have been superior to Spurs' offer. Parish played that part masterfully. He got the best possible deal for his club, which was the best-case scenario if you're forced to lose one of the greatest legends in your club history. Eze did just deliver the first major trophy in the club's trophy. Queens Park Rangers will also be celebrating, since they stand to receive 15 per cent of any deal. The Loftus Road hierarchy are now aiming to complete more business of their own, as they are set to receive more money than they've had in years. Eze has ultimately preferred Arsenal because they offer better opportunities for more trophies than the FA Cup – that he can prove a missing piece for – but also because of that dream. The connection was there. When Eze posted on instagram on 26 May celebrating Palace's FA Cup success, the fifth and last picture was a conspicuous image of Ian Wright. It is still to be confirmed whether Eze will play in the Europa Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad on Thursday. There would obviously be romance in this club hero putting in the performance that properly delivers Palace to Europe, while also getting the opportunity for an emotional goodbye. Except, amid all this talk of dreams, a realism must exist. This is a huge transfer, with a lot of money at stake. Levy knows the cost of that now. He will face even greater questions having lost out on two big transfers late on this summer, after Morgan Gibbs-White. Fan protests at Spurs are likely to heat up again. Arsenal have meanwhile signed a game-changer, in the way that some felt might be missing against Liverpool's and Manchester City's business. They've now pulled off the deal of the summer. It could be hugely significant in the season.
Daily Mail
29 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Galatasaray in talks with Manchester City over £15m move for defender, with Pep Guardiola leaving transfer decision up to centre-back
Manchester City remain talks with Galatasaray over a £15m deal for Manuel Akanji. The Turkish side are also still interested in City keeper Ederson. As previously reported by Jack Gaughan, Pep Guardiola is leaving it up to the Swiss international to decide his future, providing Galatasaray meet City's valuation. Galatasaray had been discussing a bid for City goalkeeper Ederson but have yet to make a tempting offer. The Turkish side have also been assessing Diogo Costa at Porto. Akanji was an unused substitute at Molineux for City's 4-0 victory over Wolves on the opening weekend of the Premier League season. The 30-year-old defender still has two years remaining on his contract at the Etihad having joined from Borussia Dortmund for £15m in 2022. If City could recoup that fee from Galatasaray it would prove to be impressive business, with Akanji helping the club win the Premier League twice and the Champions League during his time at the Etihad. The Swiss international has made 136 appearances for City and 118 of those were starts. Guardiola's move to shift Josko Gvardiol back to centre-back has increased competition in that area, making it more likely that Akanji departs this summer.
The Sun
29 minutes ago
- The Sun
Horse racing tips: ‘This is a seriously impressive animal' – Templegate's 11-2 NAP for day two of York
TEMPLEGATE tackles day two of the York Ebor Festival confident of bashing the bookies with his best racing tips - after landing a 5-1 NAP on day one. Back a horse by clicking their odds below. REMMOOZ (3.00 York, nap) Owen Burrows has a smart prospect on his hands in this son of Blue Point who was an impressive winner over course and distance last time out. There were a couple of today's rivals behind him that, including Sisyphean who has each-way claims again. Kevin Stott's mount enjoyed the quick ground there and that was just his handicap debut so there should be more to come. A 4lb rise in the weights is more than fair and his stall 11 draw should be fine in this big field. RAINBOWS EDGE (4.10 York, nb) She has gone close a couple of times at Listed level and this is a great winning chance. She took a fast-ground handicap over a mile at Ascot in May and proved that was no fluke when denied only a neck over 1m2f in a stronger race than this here last month. That form looks rock solid and today's extra furlong looks within reach given how she stuck on that day. The Gosden filly is unexposed at 1m4f, and boasts the right blend of class and tactical speed for a race expected to be run at a strong pace. She scored nicely at Naas last time on the back of a good effort at Leopardstown and The Curragh. There's more to come and this track and trip should be ideal. YORK 1.50 ROYAL FIXATION can swoop late to land the Lowther. She surged home for second in the Duchess of Cambridge at Newmarket on just her second start, clocking a smart speed figure and shaping like a filly with loads more to come. With plenty of pace likely and fast ground to suit, this should fall nicely for her. America Queen looked electric on debut at Haydock and she's a big threat on this major rise in class. Staya also caught the eye finishing fast in a strong Group 3 at Ascot and will be running on late. Argentine Tango is hard as nails, already a Listed winner and second in the Molecomb so has place claims. Dandana is unbeaten and progressive but untested at this level, while Wor Faayth is thriving but needs more after a French Listed win. Pearl Fortune, Timeforshowcasing and Secret Hideaway all step into deeper waters here too so need to improve plenty. 2.25 GOLDEN BROWN was really unlucky in a hot contest at Godowood last time. He was knocked sideways inside the final quarter-mile before keeping on. He's unexposed, back on quicker ground and this stronger pace should suit. Tadej sets the standard after winning a French Group 3 and remains unbeaten at 6f, but he'll have to be at his best to take this from the front. Anthelia has already landed the Super Sprint at Newbury and a Listed prize. She's tough and progressive, though all her wins are at 5f. Song Of The Clyde is progressive and has place claims. Raakeb ran with credit in the Superlative at Newmarket and is best over this trip so is on the shortlist too. Ardisia is thriving and well suited to this likely fast-run 6f, but will need luck from his draw and usual tardy start. Kamakameleon was fifth in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot and shouldn't be underestimated. 3.00 REMMOOZ looked a Group horse in the making when winning on handicap debut over course and distance last time. He saw off a few of today's rivals with a bit left in the tank. Owen Burrows will conjure more improvement from him even from a mark of 102. Big dangers include Bullet Point, who's in peak form and rarely runs a bad race. He was narrowly denied in a red-hot contest at Ascot last time and will likely force the pace again from a low draw. Apiarist shaped better than the bare result in a big-field Galway handicap and is a player back on faster ground. Urban Lion has improved steadily this term and was a close third in a strong Ascot contest last time. He stays 1m well and has form at the track. Old Cock, Northern Express and Sisyphean are all proven here and not discounted for a place. 3.35 MINNIE HAUK is the clear standout in this small but classy renewal of the Yorkshire Oaks. Unbeaten this season and already a dual Oaks winner, she's been dominant over this trip and shaped as though there was plenty in the tank when grinding out victory in the Irish Oaks last month. Conditions are ideal - she's handled everything from soft to good - and her tactical speed combined with staying power make her a nightmare to peg back. Estrange has done little wrong, also unbeaten this term, but her only defeat came on firm ground and that lingers as a slight concern unless the track catches a shower or two. She should run another decent race. Garden Of Eden wasn't at her best in Germany last time so has something to prove after that and may find this sharpish 1m4f a tad on the quick side. Qilin Queen has been well placed this season and made all in a French Group 2 last time, but faces a serious class hike now. She will have to take a major step forward to figure in this. 4.10 RAINBOWS EDGE has gone close a couple of times at Listed level and this is a great winning chance. She took a fast-ground handicap over a mile at Ascot in May and proved that was no fluke when denied only a neck over 1m2f in a stronger race than this here last month. That form looks rock solid and today's extra furlong looks within reach given how she stuck on that day. The Gosden filly is unexposed at 1m4f, and boasts the right blend of class and tactical speed for a race expected to be run at a strong pace. She can confirm form with Charlotte's Web on their clash here with the Crisford runner looking the main threat again. Karmology and Alice Monet are in-form dangers, while the lightly raced Aeolian is open to further progress at this trip. At bigger odds, Lady Vivian could bounce back returned to a calmer grade and stamina test after a decent effort at Group 2 level last time. Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who:
