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The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
RB Leipzig step up Nkunku interest to provide Chelsea boost for potential signings
RB Leipzig have stepped up attempts to sign Christopher Nkunku on a permanent deal, potentially paving the way for Chelsea to accelerate their search for attacking reinforcements. Chelsea need sales before pressing ahead with moves for Leipzig's Xavi Simons and Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho but their hopes of shifting Nkunku appeared to have hit a dead end when Bayern Munich's move for the forward stalled. Bayern had an offer for the Frenchman – a loan with an option to buy – rejected over the weekend and have so far shown little inclination of wanting to pay enough to buy him. Chelsea's preference is a permanent sale rather than a loan for Nkunku as he is not part of their long-term plans. Inter are also interested in Nkunku, whose contract runs until 2029, but a return to Leipzig two years after leaving them for Chelsea for £52m is a possibility. The 27-year-old forward is open to a reunion with his former club, although other options are on the table. A deal with Leipzig is not close but there is confidence that they will be able to come to an agreement with Chelsea on a fee for the France international, who has struggled for form and fitness during his time in west London. The clubs have already held talks over Chelsea adding Simons to their attacking ranks. Chelsea are yet to lodge a bid for the Netherlands international, who wants to move to Stamford Bridge, and hope to move out fringe players before making further additions. Aston Villa are interested in Nicolas Jackson but would need a significant drop in his £80m asking price if they are to pursue a deal for the striker. Jackson wants a new challenge after seeing Chelsea sign Liam Delap and João Pedro. Chelsea have also strengthened on the flanks, signing Estêvão Willian and Jamie Gittens, but they want more depth on the left. They are pushing to sign Garnacho, who is viewed as competition for Gittens, but want United to drop their asking price of £50m for the Argentina winger. Garnacho, who has reportedly turned down a switch to Bayern, has fallen from favour at United and Chelsea are unlikely to want to pay over £40m. Other players expected to leave Chelsea are Tyrique George, Axel Disasi, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and Renato Veiga; the latter of whom is a target for Villarreal. Fulham are interested in Raheem Sterling. Meanwhile, West Ham have had a bid rejected for Chelsea's Andrey Santos. The Hammers are interested in the Brazilian but have been knocked back and have now made an improved offer for the Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Alexander Isak saga: Newcastle respond to wantaway striker's social media post
Newcastle have insisted Alexander Isak was never told he could leave this summer in response to the wantaway striker's social media post. Isak broke his silence amid his attempts to force a move out of Newcastle by accusing the club of breaking promises in a lengthy statement on Instagram. But the club responded late on Tuesday night to say they were disappointed at the Sweden international's message, while leaving the door open for the 25-year-old to return to the fold. A club statement read: 'We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening. We are clear in response that Alex remains under contract and that no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer. 'We want to keep our best players, but we also understand players have their own wishes and we listen to their views. 'As explained to Alex and his representatives, we must always take into consideration the best interests of Newcastle United, the team and our supporters in all decisions and we have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired. We do not foresee those conditions being met. 'This is a proud football club with proud traditions and we strive to retain our family feel. Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates.' Isak, who has been the subject of a rejected bid from Liverpool, was not involved in Newcastle's Premier League opener on Saturday as they failed to score in a goalless draw at Aston Villa, having been training alone after refusing to play in some pre-season matches. On Tuesday he was named in the PFA Premier League team of the season and used a post on Instagram expressing his gratitude to address his situation. 'I've kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken,' Isak wrote. 'That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn't reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors. 'The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To act now as if these issues are only emerging is misleading. 'When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue. That's where things are for me right now – and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself.' Liverpool had a bid reportedly worth £110million plus add-ons rejected by Newcastle at the start of August but have retained an interest in the player despite signing Hugo Ekitike – a forward who was also targeted by Newcastle. Newcastle are said to value Isak at £150million, and would only consider a sale if they have signed a replacement. Isak, who returned to training at Newcastle on August 4, has three years remaining on his contract at St James' Park, and it was understood he would be fined if he missed competitive matches as a result of his desire to leave. After Saturday's match at Villa, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said 'other people are dealing with that issue'. Howe has continued to express his hope that Isak stays at the club.

BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
Racist abuse will 'not bring down' Tottenham's Tel
Tottenham forward Mathys Tel says the online racist abuse he received after the club's recent defeat in the Uefa Super Cup will not "bring him down".The 20-year-old Frenchman was the target of abusive messages on social media after Spurs lost the match 4-3 on penalties after letting a two-goal lead slip in normal came on as a substitute in the 79th minute and was one of two Spurs players who failed to convert from the spot in the penalty said they were "disgusted" by the abuse and those who sent the messages to Tel, who joined the north London club from Bayern Munich permanently in the summer, were "nothing but cowards".Speaking for the first time since the incident in a post on his Instagram account, external Tel said he wanted to say "thank you" for all the "messages of support" he had received."I was also disappointed about Wednesday night but racism has no place in our society. Every day is a learning curve, and every day is a lesson," Tel said."I know where I come from, where I started and none of this will bring me down. With work and humility, respect reigns."Tel's comments come in the wake of racist abuse suffered by Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo in their opening match of the Premier League season against Liverpool at Friday's game with the current champions was briefly halted in the 29th minute after Semenyo flagged it up to the referee.A 47-year-old man from Liverpool, who was arrested by Merseyside Police on Saturday on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence, has been conditionally bailed.



