Latest news with #Donnarumma
Irish Times
21 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Champions League team of the season: PSG players dominate selection
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain) He does have his weaknesses, such as the occasional panic under the crossed ball, but this was the season the Italian reclaimed his title as the world's best goalkeeper. PSG's path to glory saw him outshine Ederson, Alisson, and Emi Martínez before besting Yann Sommer in the final. Donnarumma made a series of saves only he can make, throwing that huge, rangy frame to its full expanse while playing behind a backline built to attack rather than concentrate on defence. Defenders Achraf Hakimi (PSG) If this is the age of full-back being the most multipurpose player in football, then Hakimi is best in class. The Moroccan matched defensive rigour with attacking instincts that saw him score four goals and supply five assists in PSG's run, including the opening strike of the final. His signing in 2021 was probably the first building block of the team that reigned supreme in 2025. READ MORE Willian Pacho (PSG) Marquinhos is the long-serving veteran of the champions, but his partner, Pacho, signed from Eintracht Frankfurt last year for €45m, has completed the Parisians' backline. He became the first Ecuadorean to lift the trophy after his dominant display in Munich blunted Inter's Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram. Playing all 17 matches and logging more minutes than any other player with 1,542, Pacho also won the ball back far more than any player: 124 times. Alessandro Bastoni (Inter) Munich was a living nightmare for Inter defenders. They also conceded six across the two legs in their semi-final classic with Barcelona. But to focus on those matches is to forget the supremacy the Inter defence enjoyed in the extended group stage, where they conceded just a single goal in eight matches. Until the semis and final, Bastoni, an Italian defender of the classic style, had marshalled a three-man defence performing far better in Europe than in Serie A, but still ended a campaign of which he can be proud in tears. Nuno Mendes (PSG) Mirroring Hakimi's command of his flank in attack and defence, Mendes was tasked in the final with stopping the runs of Inter's Denzel Dumfries, one of the competition's most effective players this season. The Dutchman ended up chasing Mendes's shadow. That followed a season where the Portuguese player, just 22 years old, scored four Champions League goals and ravaged opponents, both attackers and defenders, with his athleticism. Mohamed Salah has rarely been kept so quiet. Midfielders João Neves (PSG) PSG's title-winning team did not come cheap but they have invested well, with a summer deal worth €70m landing Neves, one of the most wanted young midfielders in Europe. Small but combative, Neves now stars in the best midfield in Europe in combination with Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz. He had been a slow burn through his first season. When PSG were playing to stay alive in the group stage, Neves was the match-winner against Manchester City, Seven tackles, all successful, seven shots, including a goal, he began to embody a team fighting like wild dogs to win the ball back. Declan Rice (Arsenal) English clubs had a chastening Champions League season, mostly because of PSG, and Arsenal were the semi-final victims. Despite Mikel Arteta's protestations, the Gunners were well beaten but this was the club's best run in the competition in more than a decade. At the fulcrum was Rice, who is maturing into a midfielder who can run a game, as he did most obviously against Real Madrid – a two-legged performance Gunners fans will happily fall back on as something to cherish after their team's exit. Rice usually saved his marauding best for Europe. Pedri (Barcelona) If the modern PSG are a hyper-realised, updated version of Pep Guardiola's Barcelona team, the club he long left behind proved to be this season's entertainers. Hansi Flick is football's great gambler, his team a high-line, high wire act. In the middle of the morass is Pedri, a midfielder of balance, creativity and now experience. Thankfully, he is recovered from the injury problems that his 75-game 2020 caused and fills the mould Andrés Iniesta once did, never looking like losing the ball, forever dangerous to the opposition. Forwards Ousmane Dembélé (PSG) A mark of Luis Enrique's quality as a coach is that he made a productive, consistent player out of one of the game's great enigmas. PSG played mostly without a centre-forward but it was Dembélé who led the line, cutting in from flanks, operating as a false No 9, interchanging with his fellow wingers, his movement creating space and angles to work with. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG) There may be little coincidence that once the Georgian was bought from Naples in January, PSG's status as a giant struggling to make the knockout stages was shedded as they instead became the most decisive champions in European Cup history. The best attacking player in Serie A, a maverick talent that resembles both a throwback and the future proved a revelation in destroying defences. The English teams in particular struggled with him, and when he was going though on goal in Munich, he was able to show off his party-trick finish, at the near post. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) The best team did not have the best player, and that's how it's supposed to work. When Barcelona were torching opposition defences, winning games from impossible positions, it seemed as if Lamine Yamal would win the Champions League at 17. He will just have to do it at 18. European defences had no answer to his speed and quality of finishing. Those slaloming runs and thunderbolt finishes against Benfica and Inter could be seen as preludes to greatness if he were not already great. Substitutes Emi Martínez came up big in Aston Villa's hugely enjoyable run to the last eight. Denzel Dumfries had five goal involvements in the Inter v Barcelona semi-final. Raphinha and Serhou Guirassy were joint-top for goals, with the Brazilian outstanding for Barcelona, the Guinean a ray of light for a faded Dortmund team. Désiré Doué, scoring two goals in the final, completed PSG's thrilling attacking trio. - Guardian
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
👋 Gigio-PSG, goodbye looming? Free exit risk, renewal far off 🇮🇹
There are those who want the Ballon d'Or to be theirs, those who assert without hesitation that they are the best in the world, and those who dream of a return to Italy. Gianluigi Donnarumma may not be the cover man of this PSG: Doué took the scene in the final and Dembélé's statistics speak for themselves, but he was certainly the key man in the Champions League. Paris Saint-Germain was about to exit at Liverpool, but the turning point came from his gloves. From the penalties at Anfield to the triumph at the Allianz Arena in Monaco: the first historic cup victory with the big ears passes through his saves. There are no doubts. Advertisement With the Treble in the trophy case, it's already time for Gigio's future. Will he renew with PSG? Will he return to Italy or will the Premier League welcome him? There are many questions and certainly no shortage of interested clubs. Let's get some order. ⏳ Donnarumma-PSG, renewal in the balance "If I stay at PSG? I don't know, let's see. Now there's the national team, with two important games for the World Cup". Donnarumma's words to Sky after the Champions League victory do not give certainty. The 5-0 win over Inter in the Monaco final achieved the dream for which Gigio had chosen to move to France four years ago. PSG is now the strongest team in the world, but it's not certain that the former Milan player will be part of it next season. The contract with the Parisians will expire in June 2026, and the renewal is not that close. Donnarumma takes his time and evaluates what to do: the criticism in these years has been heavy, he has given everything, and throwing himself into a new experience is a concrete idea. On the other hand, the clubs interested in the '99 class are not few: the approaching deadline lowers the sale price, and the possibility of taking him for free in 12 months represents an opportunity for everyone. 🔏 Gigio's request About a month ago, according to Gianluca Di Marzio, Enzo Raiola, Donnarumma's agent, would have met with Luis Campos to discuss the renewal. No progress has been made, but the request was clear: either Gigio will be satisfied or it will be goodbye. 📸 Carl Recine - 2025 Getty Images Advertisement The 10 million per season is no longer enough, but it's not all about money. The 26-year-old must feel at the center of PSG - protected in a certain sense - and the treatment he has received from the French press in all these years has not made him happy. This is the main reason why his experience in Paris is in the balance. 👀 City, Real, and... return to Italy: the options Gigio is looking for serenity, and many clubs in Europe are ready to guarantee it to him. Bayern Munich, despite the purchase of the young Urbig, is looking for a worthy heir to Neuer, and the same speech could be made for Real Madrid and Manchester City. Courtois will expire with the Blancos in 2026, and his future remains uncertain, while Ederson seems to have one foot out of Guardiola's court. In short, the options for Donnarumma are certainly not lacking, but also keep an eye on Italy because Inter, always vigilant on the zero-parameter market, could make an attempt. Sommer has shown against Barcelona that he deserves the Nerazzurri goal, but age is advancing - he is 36 years old - and he is not eternal. Gigio would be the perfect substitute: the relationship between Marotta and Enzo Raiola could help, but everything will depend on the will of the goalkeeper. The Rossonero past cannot be erased... Advertisement This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here. 📸 Justin Setterfield - 2025 Getty Images
The Guardian
a day ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Our Champions League team of the season: A teen sensation to a marauding Gunner
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain) He does have his weaknesses, such as the occasional panic under the crossed ball, but this was the season the Italian reclaimed his title as the world's best goalkeeper. PSG's path to glory saw him outshine Ederson, Alisson, and Emi Martínez before besting Yann Sommer in the final. Donnarumma made a series of saves only he can make, throwing that huge, rangy frame to its full expanse while playing behind a backline built to attack rather than concentrate on defence. Achraf Hakimi (PSG) If this is the age of full-back being the most multipurpose player in football, then Hakimi is best in class. The Moroccan matched defensive rigour with attacking instincts that saw him score four goals and supply five assists in PSG's run, including the opening strike of the final. His signing in 2021 was probably the first building block of the team that reigned supreme in 2025. Willian Pacho (PSG) Marquinhos is the long-serving veteran of the champions, but his partner, Pacho, signed from Eintracht Frankfurt last year for €45m, has completed the Parisians' backline. He became the first Ecuadorian to lift the trophy after his dominant display in Munich blunted Inter's Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram. Playing all 17 matches and logging more minutes than any other player with 1,542, Pacho also won the ball back far more than any player: 124 times. Alessandro Bastoni (Inter) Munich was a living nightmare for Inter defenders. They also conceded six across the two legs in their semi-final classic with Barcelona. But to focus on those matches is to forget the supremacy the Inter defence enjoyed in the extended group stage, where they conceded just a single goal in eight matches. Until the semis and final, Bastoni, an Italian defender of the classic style, had marshalled a three-man defence performing far better in Europe than in Serie A, but still ended a campaign of which he can be proud in tears. Nuno Mendes (PSG) Mirroring Hakimi's command of his flank in attack and defense, Mendes was tasked in the final with stopping the runs of Inter's Denzel Dumfries, one of the competition's most effective players this season. The Dutchman ended up chasing Mendes's shadow. That followed a season where the Portuguese player, just 22 years old, scored four Champions League goals and ravaged opponents, both attackers and defenders, with his athleticism. Mohamed Salah has rarely been kept so quiet. João Neves (PSG) PSG's title-winning team did not come cheap but they have invested well, with a summer deal worth €70m landing Neves, one of the most wanted young midfielders in Europe. Small but combative, Neves now stars in the best midfield in Europe in combination with Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz. He had been a slow burn through his first season. When PSG were playing to stay alive in the group stage, Neves was the match-winner against Manchester City, Seven tackles, all successful, seven shots, including a goal, he began to embody a team fighting like wild dogs to win the ball back. Declan Rice (Arsenal) English clubs had a chastening Champions League season, mostly because of PSG, and Arsenal were the semi-final victims. Despite Mikel Arteta's protestations, the Gunners were well beaten but this was the club's best run in the competition in more than a decade. At the fulcrum was Rice, who is maturing into a midfielder who can run a game, as he did most obviously against Real Madrid – a two-legged performance Gunners fans will happily fall back on as something to cherish after their team's exit. Rice usually saved his marauding best for Europe. Pedri (Barcelona) If the modern PSG are a hyper-realised, updated version of Pep Guardiola's Barcelona team, the club he long left behind proved to be this season's entertainers. Hansi Flick is football's great gambler, his team a high-line, high wire act. In the middle of the morass is Pedri, a midfielder of balance, creativity and now experience. Thankfully, he is recovered from the injury problems that his 75-game 2020 caused and fills the mould Andrés Iniesta once did, never looking like losing the ball, forever dangerous to the opposition. Ousmane Dembélé (PSG) A mark of Luis Enrique's quality as a coach is that he made a productive, consistent player out of one of the game's great enigmas. PSG played mostly without a centre-forward but it was Dembélé who led the line, cutting in from flanks, operating as a false No 9, interchanging with his fellow wingers, his movement creating space and angles to work with. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG) There may be little coincidence that once the Georgian was bought from Naples in January, PSG's status as a giant struggling to make the knockout stages was shedded as they instead became the most decisive champions in European Cup history. The best attacking player in Serie A, a maverick talent that resembles both a throwback and the future proved a revelation in destroying defences. The English teams in particular struggled with him, and when he was going though on goal in Munich, he was able to show off his party-trick finish, at the near post. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) The best team did not have the best player, and that's how it's supposed to work. When Barcelona were torching opposition defences, winning games from impossible positions, it seemed as if Lamine Yamal would win the Champions League at 17. He will just have to do it at 18. European defences had no answer to his speed and quality of finishing. Those slaloming runs and thunderbolt finishes against Benfica and Barcelona could be seen as preludes to greatness if he were not already great. Emi Martínez came up big in Aston Villa's hugely enjoyable run to the last eight. Denzel Dumfries had five goal involvements in the Inter v Barcelona semi-final. Raphinha and Serhou Guirassy were joint-top for goals, with the Brazilian outstanding for Barcelona, the Guinean a ray of light for a faded Dortmund team. Désiré Doué, scoring two goals in the final, completed PSG's thrilling attacking trio.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Manchester City monitoring Gianluigi Donnarumma's contract talks with PSG
Manchester City are lurking in the background as Gianluigi Donnarumma holds contract talks with Paris Saint-Germain after winning the UEFA Champions League title, as per a new report. The 26-year-old was in net for the high-flying French outfit who cruised their way to a sensational treble on Saturday courtesy of a stylish 5-0 battering of a meagre Inter side at the Allianz Arena. Advertisement Donnarumma has lifted his maiden UEFA Champions League title after years of failure in Paris and has been one of Luis Enrique's most eye-catching players in a team that has conquered all before itself en route to Ligue 1 and European glory this term. However, the Italy international, who received huge plaudits for his heroics in the 2021 European Championship penalty shootout win over England, faces an uncertain future at the Parc des Princes as he enters the final 12 months of his contract. Manchester City have recruited Hugo Viana to take over from Txiki Begiristain as director of football in the summer and are likely to enter the market for a new goalkeeper as Ederson continues to draw interest from Saudi Arabia amidst uncertainty over the future of Stefan Ortega Moreno. Advertisement Pep Guardiola is eyeing four to five first-team additions ahead of the 2025-26 campaign and Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak recently outlined the club's plans to announce all new signings in time for the FIFA Club World Cup, which begins in mid-June. City are closing in on deals to sign Lyon's Rayan Cherki and AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders to begin their squad overhaul as Kevin De Bruyne nears a two-year move to Napoli after being told he does not feature in the club's plans next season. Guardiola will also have a new full-back in his ranks as Kyle Walker searches for a new club after returning from a loan spell at AC Milan, with Manchester City making it clear they are in the market for a new wide defender as they look to sell their former club captain. As per a new report by Gianluca Di Marzio, Manchester City are waiting for Gianluigi Donnarumma to make a decision on his future at Paris Saint-Germain as they look to bolster their options in goal after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign. Advertisement Ederson wanted to leave for Saudi Arabia last summer but a transfer failed to materialise and Ortega Moreno has not convinced Guardiola to take over as number one should the former leave the 2023 treble winners after eight seasons at the Etihad Stadium. It is understood that none of PSG's current renewal offers have met Donnarumma's financial expectations and Manchester City remain in a strong financial position after a few years of lucrative academy and first-team sales should they pursue their interest in the Italian shotstopper. It remains to be seen if City do seriously target Donnarumma but after keeping a clean sheet in the UEFA Champions League final victory over Inter Milan, it is likely that all parties reach a middle ground and shake hands to tie the 26-year-old down to fresh terms in the French capital.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Transfer news LIVE: Gakpo ‘eyed by Bayern', Rodrygo makes U-TURN, Cherki ‘wants City move', Chelsea close in on Delap
THE thrills and spills of the summer transfer window are finally upon us - as the first transfer window of the summer is OPEN until June 10. Liverpool forward Advertisement In other news, Elsewhere, Chelsea are closing in on a move for Ipswich forward Meanwhile, Real Madrid winger Rodrygo reportedly wants to stay at the Spanish giants despite interest from Premier League clubs. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Advertisement Follow ALL the latest news, moves and completed deals with our live blog below... By Brentford in advanced Kelleher talks Brentford are in advanced talks with Liverpool for Caoimhin Kelleher - having agreed in principle to sell Mark Flekken to Bayer Leverkusen. But Flekken's proposed transfer will not go ahead until the West London club have secured Kelleher as his replacement in goal. Leverkusen and Brentford have agreed a fee in the region of £11m (€13m) inclusive of add-ons for the Netherlands international. And Sky Germany are reporting Flekken is ready to undergo a medical with Leverkusen. Copy link Copied By Cunha confirmed Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Matheus Cunha. The Red Devils have signed the Brazilian from Wolves after agreeing a £62.5million deal for his services. It is still subject to visa and registration clearance once he returns from international duty. It sees him move to Old Trafford on a five-year deal, with the option to extend for one additional year. Copy link Copied By Man City in talks for Cherki Man City are in talks with Lyon for attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki, reports Fabrizio Romano. City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has said the club plans to get their business done before the Club World Cup starts in mid-June. Pep Guardiola's side are confident of landing the 21-year-old, who is expected to cost in excess of £25m. City are also working on a deal for central midfielder Tijani Reijnders from AC Milan. Man City are in talks with Lyon for attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki Credit: Getty Copy link Copied By Donnarumma future Donnarumma on his future: 'New deal or leaving? We will see what happens… I don't know 'It's time to enjoy this magic season now. I will go on holiday and then we will see' Donnarumma told Sky. After winning the Champions League with some dazzling displays, Donnarumma is attracting interest around Europe. Manchester City have registered their interest, and are keen on bringing the Italian stopper to the Etihad this summer. Copy link Copied By Chelsea attempting Guehi deal Chelsea are looking to bring back Marc Guehi to Stamford Bridge this summer. The 24-year-old recently won the FA Cup with Crystal Palace, with clubs looking to acquire him this summer. The Blues have also looked at Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton in defence, with a new centre back a key area Enzo Maresca is looking at this summer. Guehi had previously played for Chelsea, and graduated from Cobham academy. Credit: Getty Copy link Copied By Mark Flekken to Leverkusen Brentford stopper Mark Flekken looks set to join Bayer Levekusen from the Premier League side. Leverkusen had targeted a new 'keeper for the summer, heading back to Germany after two years in England. The Dutch goalkeeper joined the Bees from SC Freiburg in the summer of 2023, as David Raya departed for Arsenal. Fabrizio Romano reports via PLettiogoal and Phillip Arens that the deal is done for around €10m, and medical tests are due to take place shortly. Credit: David Horton / SPP Copy link Copied By Mark Flekken to Leverkusen Brentford stopper Mark Flekken looks set to join Bayer Levekusen from the Premier League side. Leverkusen had targeted a new 'keeper for the summer, heading back to Germany after two years in England. The Dutch goalkeeper joined the Bees from SC Freiburg in the summer of 2023, as David Raya departed for Arsenal. Fabrizio Romano reports via PLettiogoal and Phillip Arens that the deal is done for around €10m, and medical tests are due to take place shortly. Credit: David Horton / SPP Copy link Copied By Benjamin Sesko latest According to Sky in Germany, Andrea Berta and Marcel Schafer held a secret meeting in regards to Benjamin Sesko. As mentioned before, Benjamin Sesko is now the No1 target for Arsenal this summer, with Leipzig looking to get the deal over the line as soon as possible. The Gunners will be in no rush to acquire Sesko, with other clubs seemingly backing off, or looking at other options. With that said, the Gunners, according to reports, have a verbal agreement with the Swede ahead of any deal this summer. Leipzig's Sesko will cost Arsenal around £70 million, with Gyokeres coming in somewhere between the £60-90 million region, with reports all suggesting Sporting CP want a different price. Credit: Getty Copy link Copied By Simone Inzaghi to leave? Just hours prior to his side Inter taking on PSG in the Champions League final, reports emerged suggesting Inzaghi was looking for a way out. His side were then thrashed 5-0 in one of the most one sided Champions League final displays ever by PSG. According to Fabrizio Romano, Inzaghi will meet with the Inter board at the beginning of next week to discuss his future. Al Hilal have sent an offer to Simone Inzaghi, with the Inter manager in discussions with the Saudi side. Copy link Copied By Simone Inzaghi to leave? Just hours prior to his side Inter taking on PSG in the Champions League final, reports emerged suggesting Inzaghi was looking for a way out. His side were then thrashed 5-0 in one of the most one sided Champions League final displays ever by PSG. According to Fabrizio Romano, Inzaghi will meet with the Inter board at the beginning of next week to discuss his future. Al Hilal have sent an offer to Simone Inzaghi, with the Inter manager in discussions with the Saudi side. Copy link Copied By Officially day one! The transfer window is now OPEN for business! (until June 10, anyway). Trent Alexander-Arnold is now officially a Real Madrid player, as Los Blancos paid extra to Liverpool to have him available for the Club World Cup. In the next few days, deals such as Liam Delap to Chelsea and Florian Wirtz to Liverpool could be made official, as sides scurry to get deals over the line before the first of two deadline days. Keep an eye on Benjamin Sesko to Arsenal as well, as Leipzig are eager to offload Sesko as soon as possible. Copy link Copied By Bruno Fernandes update The Red Devils find themselves in a spot of bother, with no European football to offer players and no big income to go with that, targets such as Liam Delap are going elsewhere. One player they may have to say goodbye to is captain and star player Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder is of interest to Saudi club Al Hilal, who are looking to acquire him from United for around £100 million. However, sources are indicating that Fernandes keeps complicating the deal, as he keeps making changes on his demands to join the club. There is still a chance that another club comes swooping for Bruno, with a side like PSG having the resources to sign United's captain, although right now there is no evidence they hold any interest. Utd have already started to prepare for life after Bruno, as well. Sporting CP's Pedro Goncalves stepped up in the absence of Bruno at Sporting, with Utd potentially looking for him to do the same for them at Old Trafford. Credit: Getty Copy link Copied By More on Eze Despite interest from around Europe, Crystal Palace are not ready to let go of their star. With European football to offer, Eze may be tempted to stay in London for another season, with Palace wanting him to sign a new contract. As revealed earlier, Bayern Munich are circling for Eze, after the success they had with Olise. Premier League sides Arsenal, Tottenham and Man City are all also interested in the 26-year-old. While Palace can offer Europa League, all four of those sides could offer Eze Champions League football next season. Credit: Alamy Copy link Copied By The first time was so nice... ...Bayern might have to do it twice! According to Football Insider, Bayern Munich are looking to go shopping at Crystal Palace once again this summer. Michael Olise made the switch from south London to Munich last summer, and has been a revelation for the German side, as they recaptured the Bundesliga title from Bayer Leverkusen. With Florian Wirtz likely to be on his way to Liverpool, Bayern now turn their attention to other targets, with Eberechi Eze a potential target for the side. The success of Olise may play a part in their decision, as the pair linked up very well at Palace last season. Credit: Getty Copy link Copied By The morning after Got your breath back after last night's frantic Champions League final? One of the greatest final performances of all-time from PSG, with Desire Doue announcing himself to the world with two goals and an assist. Hakimi, Kvaratskhelia and Mayulu all also scored, making it 5-0 to PSG, who won their first Champions League title in some style. And, the side are looking ahead to defending their crown already. River Plate's Franco Mastantuono is already on their radar, with Luis Enrique looking to add the Argentine wonderkid to his squad. Credit: AP Copy link Copied By Seagulls to offer Milner new deal Brighton are set to offer James Milner, 39, a new one-year deal. The ex-Liverpool and England midfielder revealed this week he had feared he would not walk again after surgery. Milner 16 league games from breaking Gareth Barry's Prem appearance record of 653 matches. Copy link Copied By United's under-achievers warned EXCLUSIVE: Ruben Amorim is ready to get tough with his Manchester United flops as he chases a flying start next season. The Red Devils boss wants to take a hardline pre-season approach in his quest to turn his 'chokers' into Champions League material, with jobs — including his own — on the line. And the Portuguese is determined that a lack of fitness will not be an excuse for his squad, in the wake of a disastrous campaign last time out — the club's worst since the relegation season of 1973-74. SunSport understands It is believed non-international players could return to the club's Carrington HQ earlier than normal, with a suggestion some may be back training by the end of THIS month. Amorim wants fitness levels to be sky high, demanding that players hit personal bests by mid-July. And if they fail to achieve those targets then they face being sidelined from his United revolution. Boss Amorim has also told his squad they need to be fitter than ever because he wants them to be all over their opponents 'like white on rice' from day one next season. Copy link Copied By Liverpool and Arsenal set for £70m Joao battle EXCLUSIVE: Brighton have slapped a whopping £70million price tag on striker Joao Pedro. Interest in the Brazilian, 23, has heightened as it appears the Seagulls are willing to do business. But they will only be listening to offers around that figure, a huge mark-up on a player who joined in a £35m deal from Newcastle, Liverpool Pedro hit ten goals in 27 Prem games last term. But he was left out of the last two games of the season by boss Copy link Copied By One Kell of a fight Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has been tipped for a shock move to Manchester United. United's goalkeeper crisis means they could look to sell Credit: Getty Onana and No 2 stopper Bayindir are both prone to howlers, with United eyeing a complete reset. Meanwhile Kelleher, capped 22 times for Ireland already, is understood to want to compete for regular minutes. Kelleher secured his second Premier League title with Liverpool this season but only started 10 games with Alisson ahead of him in the pecking order. Prominent United reporter at ESPN Mark Ogden has put Kelleher on his shortlist of potential goalkeepers to replace Onana. Ogden said: "Kelleher wants to move, he wants to play football. "It would be good deal at such a low price to get someone with proven experience in English football." Liverpool value the 26-year-old in excess of £20million. Copy link Copied By Zidane says no According to French newspaper L'Equipe, Zinedine Zidane has REJECTED a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia. The former Real Madrid boss has reportedly turned down a €100MILLION (£84m), one-year deal. He is said to be waiting for the France national team job to become available. Credit: Splash Copy link Copied By Crunch talks over Antony future Real Betis are considering a bold strategy to keep Manchester United flop Antony at the club after a stunning loan stint in Seville. The Red Devils will not accept a cut-price deal and the LaLiga outfit may therefore struggle to afford him permanently. They will instead offer to take the Brazil international on loan again and even have plans to co-own him with Man Utd. In a rarely-seen move, Betis could agree to purchase just a percentage of the 25-year-old's rights. It means both teams could benefit from any future sale but the scheme still relies on Antony cutting his £200,000-a-week salary, which Man Utd have been covering 16 per cent of. Copy link Copied By Diaz to stay? Luis Diaz has been strongly linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer, with the likes of Barcelona and Al-Hilal great admirers. But the Colombian himself seems like he wants to stay. In an interview with the club website, he said: "I feel I'm going through a really good period. "I'm really happy to be here, to be part of this great institution, this great club and to have great team-mates around me. "From the moment I arrived, I felt great pride. I always tried to work hard for this, and to see that nowadays things are working out for me fills me with pride and I'm really happy because that's what I work for. "[But] we are nobodies without our team-mates. We are a team. The forwards and wingers always try to help with goals and assists, and right now I've achieved good numbers to back that up. "It's about playing and then playing well, supporting the team in the way I play and enjoying it, like always." Credit: Reuters Copy link Copied By Battle for Sesko hots up Manchester United and Arsenal could fight it out for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. According to Bild's transfer insider However, Falk indicates that the North Londoners will not be allowed to complete the move without competition. That comes in the form of United, who are also looking to land a new striker. But Man Utd are said to have a secret weapon in trying to convince the Slovenia international about a deal, and that is their director of recruitment Christopher Vivell. The 22-year-old was personally watched by Vivell back in April, with Sun Sport revealing how he had a 'gentleman's agreement' with Leipzig to leave for around £60m if a top club tables an offer. Vivell has already brought Sesko once before, to Red Bull Salzburg as a 16-year-old in 2019. Copy link Copied By Brighton head Gunners & United in whizkid chase EXCLUSIVE: Brighton have moved ahead of Manchester United and Arsenal as well as a raft of other suitors for Olympiacos wonderkid Babis Kostoulas, writes KOSTAS LIANOS . But Wednesday will be 'crucial' for his future. Olympiacos won't sell on the cheap and will insist on a major resale clause for the versatile striker, who has a contract until 2030. Negotiations have reached a fee of €40million (£34m), which Fabian Hurzeler's side are currently not willing to meet despite their willingness to pay good money for the 18-year-old. SunSport, though, understand the Greece Under-21 international's fee could climb even higher to €50-55m (£42-46m). Copy link Copied By Alejandro prefers Chelsea move EXCLUSIVE: Alejandro Garnacho has made Chelsea his No 1 choice this summer, writes RICHARD MORIARTY . The £50million-rated Manchester United winger was told to find a new club following a fallout with boss Ruben Amorim. The Argentina star, who is also attracting interest from Napoli, instructed his agent to make clear to Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca he wants to remain in the Prem. A source said: 'Alejandro knows the Premier League is the best in the world. "And while he has had some good moments at United, he wants to establish himself as a world star. 'England is the best place to do that and Chelsea have assembled a lot of good young players.' Copy link Copied 1
