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Yahoo
9 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Napoli Have ‘Abandoned' Move to Sign Liverpool's Darwin Nunez
Liverpool Transfers: Reds Dealt Major Darwin Nunez Blow After Setting Hefty Price Tag Despite already signing five players already this summer and spending over £200million, Liverpool's next wave of transfer activity now depends on outgoings. Advertisement Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhin Kelleher and Jarell Quansah have all secured moves away this summer already and more are expected to follow. Harvey Elliott is expected to leave if a bid meets Liverpool's £45million valuation of the midfielder, whilst the futures of Andy Robertson, Ibou Konate, Tyler Morton, Federico Chiesa and Luis Diaz all remain uncertain. Darwin Nunez is also expected to leave this summer too. Fabrizio Romano has regularly reported that a move away from Anfield is 'guaranteed' this summer. Liverpool have been locked in negotiations with Napoli over a move for the Uruguayan striker, but according to reports that deal could now be off. Advertisement Napoli 'Abandon' Nunez Pursuit According to Sky Sports, the Italian side have 'abandoned' their move to sign the 26-year-old due to the 'excessive costs' in the deal. Just days ago, Liverpool had rejected an offer worth around £47.5million for Nunez and were reportedly holding out for a fee closer to the £60million mark. However, their asking price is seemingly too much for Napoli, who have now switched their attentions to a £30million move to sign Lorenzo Lucca instead. Liverpool even rejected a £70million offer from Saudi Arabia back in January, but can now only hope that such move comes back around this summer. Atletico Madrid have also been interested in Nunez, but their interest has cooled in recent weeks. Advertisement Looking Ahead A new centre-forward was a priority for Liverpool this summer but after already spending £200million this summer, you'd think that Nunez's exit is crucial in any move for a striker this summer. Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike is perhaps the likeliest option to bolster Liverpool's frontline, but will likely cost around the £70million mark himself. Links to Newcastle United's Alexander Isak remain present, but that deal would likely cost more than double that of a move for Ekitike and the Magpies maintain their stance that the Swedish forward is not for sale. I'd still expect Nunez to move on this summer, but what once seemed like a straight forward move is slowly becoming more and more complicated.
Yahoo
16 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Newcastle Target £50m Serie A Star as Howe Eyes Defensive Upgrade
Scalvini Sparks Magpies Ambition Amid FFP Constraints Centre-Back Conundrum at St James' Park Newcastle United's recruitment drive under Eddie Howe continues with ambition and purpose. Fresh off the £52 million acquisition of Anthony Elanga, the club's attention now turns to reinforcing a vulnerable defence. Their interest in Atalanta's Giorgio Scalvini signals more than a scouting whim — it represents a desire to establish a top-tier rearguard capable of matching the attacking potency being assembled in the North East. Advertisement Scalvini, 21, is a player of pedigree and promise. 'Newcastle see Italy international Scalvini, who they have a long-term interest in, as someone who fits the bill.' But it's not just Newcastle monitoring his progress. Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus, and several Serie A outfits have long had him in their sights. That competition, plus Atalanta's status as Champions League regulars, means any deal won't come cheap. Sources from iNEWS report that 'although no formal price tag has been put on Scalvini, well-placed sources have told The i Paper it would take £50m plus to get Atalanta around the table.' That's a substantial sum for a player with just eight appearances last season, but Newcastle believe now could be the opportune moment to strike. Balancing Books and Bold Moves Scalvini's price point is significant, especially given Newcastle's current financial framework. 'Given Newcastle's budget, based largely on their headroom within the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules, is around £150m,' iNEWS explains. That means any big outlay will likely require departures to offset incomings. Advertisement Still, Newcastle are not entirely hamstrung. 'A deal is not viewed as impossible, with the player himself intrigued by the possibility of playing in the Premier League and open to a move to St James' Park, where Italy teammate Sandro Tonali has flourished since moving from AC Milan.' Tonali's reported endorsement of the club and manager Eddie Howe adds further momentum behind Newcastle's pursuit. 'The Newcastle midfielder is understood to have spoken in glowing terms about the club and manager Eddie Howe while away on international duty recently.' Photo IMAGO It is a far cry from years gone by, when Newcastle were forced to scrape the barrel in the transfer market. Now, they must be careful with their spending, but not cautious. The right deal — even an expensive one — can still be pursued with strategy and structure. Advertisement Why Scalvini Fits the Magpies' Blueprint Scalvini isn't a panic buy or a speculative project. He is seen as a building block in a long-term succession plan. With Jamaal Lascelles returning from a serious cruciate ligament injury, and Sven Botman nursing persistent issues, Newcastle are light on dependable, durable centre-backs. 'Newcastle agreed new contracts for Dan Burn and Fabian Schar in the last year and both played some of their best football last season,' iNEWS outlines. 'But there is an acceptance internally that there needs to be a succession plan with the pair aged 33.' Scalvini, with his composure, aerial presence, and ball-playing ability, is seen as a natural fit for Howe's system. Newcastle's transfer shortlist also includes Leonardo Balerdi from Marseille and Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, although 'interest in the latter has receded of late.' That places Scalvini in a more prominent position on the club's radar. Advertisement Opportunity Knocks as Atalanta Weigh Their Hand Atalanta are no strangers to the transfer market's high wire. Their academy has produced countless stars who were sold for significant profits. 'Atalanta have a successful player trading model that has leant heavily on cashing in on star assets,' as iNEWS details. But this time, the calculus is different. 'The i Paper has been told that Atalanta are keen to open negotiations over a new contract with Scalvini this summer,' with his current deal running until 2028. They feel 'under no pressure to sell and ideally want to keep him,' which justifies the steep valuation. Yet, timing may be Newcastle's ally. Having only featured eight times last season, Scalvini might not be untouchable just yet. 'There is also a feeling at Newcastle that this summer might represent the last window of opportunity to sign him before his value skyrockets.' Advertisement Therein lies the gamble. Wait another year, and the cost may double. Move now, and they may secure one of Europe's most promising defenders just before he enters full bloom. Our View – EPL Index Analysis This is exactly the type of deal fans want to see. We're not chasing short-term fixes, we're looking at players who can be part of the project for five or ten years. Giorgio Scalvini might only be 21, but the ceiling is massive. If Tonali is backing the move, then that should say a lot — because he's seen the culture inside the club and how much we've grown. Spending £50 million is not cheap, especially when there's pressure from FFP, but the Magpies have done enough player trading in recent years to make room. If we need to offload someone to make it happen, so be it. This is a proper statement signing. Advertisement That said, there's always some risk. He only played eight games last season, and we've been unlucky with defenders and injuries. But when you're trying to build a Champions League side, you've got to think big. With other clubs sniffing around, waiting might not be an option. The fact that we're even in for a player like this — competing with United, Spurs, and Juve — shows how far we've come. And if Eddie Howe wants him, we should back him to the hilt.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
First public use Padel courts in Taunton to open
PADEL is a sport many people in Taunton will know but will be unable to play in town - well, now that is set to change. Taunton's first-ever public use Padel courts are set to open, with the development of six panoramic padel courts being built on the Queen's College campus. READ MORE: Queen's College bids farewell to fourteen staff members Advertisement READ MORE: Queen's College to become South West hub for PaceLab The Taunton college has teamed up with Smash Padel to produce these courts, which will be open to the public all year round. Fully covered with canopies and playable in all weather conditions, these new facilities will elevate the school's already impressive sports facilities and also expand community access to the fastest-growing sport in the world. Taunton's first-ever Padel courts are set to open. (Image: Queen's College) Planned areas to go with the new Padel courts at Taunton's Queen's College. (Image: Queen's College) Advertisement What is Padel? Unfamiliar with Padel? The sport is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, typically played in doubles on an enclosed court with walls. The walls are often made of glass and metallic mesh, and players can use them to bounce the ball, similar to squash. Kim Dawkins, Bursar at Queen's College, commented:'This is an exciting development for Taunton. With no padel courts currently available in the area and a huge demand for the sport, these new facilities will make a real impact. "The six covered courts, operated by Smash Padel, will be open to the general public, ensuring that our local community can enjoy this fast-growing sport.' Advertisement Smash Padel is known for delivering a comprehensive padel program for players of all ages and abilities. The group have made significant strides in growing junior participation through its bespoke junior pathways and Performance Academy, which draws young talent from across the UK. Tom Bell, Director of Sport at Queen's College, added: 'Smash Padel align perfectly with our values of keeping sport accessible for all and providing high-quality coaching to nurture talent at a grassroots level. "Whether pupils are experienced players or picking up a racket for the first time, they will benefit enormously from having these courts on site. We're already looking forward to integrating padel into our sports offering at Queen's.' Advertisement Smash Padel's commitment to grassroots growth was recently recognised by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), who honoured them with a Service Excellence Award for their outstanding work in community engagement and junior development. With a team of passionate, professional coaches, Smash are creating vibrant padel communities that promote health and wellbeing, connection and lots of fun. Carson Russell, Chief Operating Officer at Smash Padel, said: 'From inclusivity and coaching excellence to long-term development and community building, Queen's College shares many of the values that define Smash Padel. This partnership creates the perfect environment for a meaningful and lasting collaboration.' An official opening date is yet to be revealed for the new public-use padel courts in Taunton. For updates on construction progress and timeline, please visit the Smash Padel website at
