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Metro
3 hours ago
- Business
- Metro
Chelsea accelerate efforts to sign Arsenal & Liverpool target 'in recent hours'
Chelsea have ramped up their pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike in the last few hours, according to reports in France. Ekitike joined Eintracht on a permanent basis from PSG last summer and the 22-year-old hit new heights across an eye-catching Bundesliga campaign, notching 15 goals and eight assists in 33 appearances. The forward earned himself plenty of admirers with his goalscoring exploits in his first full season in German football and speculation has been mounting that a big-money move could be around the corner. Arsenal and Liverpool have been keeping close tabs on Ekitike's progress and both clubs are believed to have made initial enquiries over a proposed bid for the Frenchman. But according to L'Equipe, Chelsea have attempted to steal a march on their Premier League rivals by accelerating their efforts to sign the attacker 'in recent hours'. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. The report claims Ekitike is considering his future and mulling over his options after being ruled out of France's European Under-21 Championship campaign this with a back problem. It's understood Eintracht are aware of the strong interest in Ekitike and have responded by slapping a £60million price tag on their prized possession. Ekitike's current contract in Frankfurt runs through to June 2029. Eintracht would be in line to make a significant profit from the sale of Ekitike considering they signed the striker from PSG for a fee of around £14m last summer. In a recent interview with Sport1, Eintracht's sporting director, Markus Krosche, confirmed Ekitike could be allowed to leave if the club's demands are met by a potential suitor. 'He's one of the most interesting strikers on the European market,' Krosche said. 'Hugo has to decide that [his future]. I'm glad we have him. 'If he decides otherwise, that's our belief: if a player develops faster than us, then we let him go – as long as our demands are met.' More Trending Chelsea are targeting Ekitike in addition to Ipswich striker Liam Delap, who is set to be announced by the west London giants imminently. Delap has agreed to a six-year deal at Stamford Bridge and joins the Europa Conference League winners for a fee of £30million. The Blues are eager to strengthen their attack with the addition of one or two genuine difference-makers to ease the pressure on Nicolas Jackson, who managed just ten league goals last term. Dario Essugo, 20, became Chelsea's first signing of the summer on Sunday, with the 20-year-old midfielder joining on an eight-year contract from Sporting. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: 'I'm pretty certain' – Gary Neville names four Man Utd players who must leave this summer MORE: Man Utd or Arsenal? Bryan Mbeumo makes huge decision over summer transfer MORE: Chelsea tipped to sell 'wonderful talent' Cole Palmer in shock transfer
Metro
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Metro
Viktor Gyokeres grilled over Arsenal transfer on FaceTime with former team-mate
Viktor Gyokeres refused to rule out a move to the Emirates when cornered by one of his old Arsenal-supporting team-mates during a FaceTime call this week. The 26-year-old striker has established himself one of the most sought-after attacking players in European football having scored 54 goals in 52 games to help steer Sporting to a domestic double this season. And while Sporting managed to fend off strong interest from a host of elite clubs to keep hold of Gyokeres in January, the Portuguese champions have grown increasingly resigned to losing their prized position. Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Juventus and Napoli have all been credited with a strong interest in Gyokeres in recent weeks, with the prolific forward reportedly available for a fee in the region of £60million. Atletico Madrid are the latest team to enter the running for Gyokeres' signature, placing the former Coventry City man at the top of their shortlist of targets this summer. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. But Arsenal have emerged as the leading contenders to strike a deal for Gyokeres as they look to strengthen their attack for next season – and club chiefs flew out to Lisbon to speak with the Swede's agent last week. With the window now officially open, Arsenal supporters are eagerly awaiting updates on the ever-evolving transfer saga – and Leo Ostigard tried his very best to give them some answers on the latest episode of the Flymoduspod podcast. Ostigard – a lifelong Arsenal fan himself – played alongside Gyokeres at Coventry and it's clear the pair are still close, with the Norwegian calling up his former team-mate in the middle of the recording. Podcast host You know I'm wondering, I know you can't say much about it, but Viktor, where are you going in the summer transfer window? Can you give us a hint? Is it Arsenal? Which three? What are the alternatives? Gyokeres Haha, no. We will see… nobody knows anything yet. I wish I had a more fun answer, but that's all I can say for now. Ostigard Viktor, great talking to you! See you soon and text me when everything is signed and sorted down in Arsenal. Gyokeres Yeah, yeah, sure. Gyokeres, who has largely remained tight-lipped amid the incessant gossip and rumour over his future, is tied into a contract with Sporting until June 2028. The Primeira Liga outfit stand to make make a tidy profit on Gyokeres given they signed the attacker from Coventry for a fee of just £16.7m two years ago. Sporting head coach Rui Borges remains relaxed about the situation and has stressed throughout the Gyokeres was 'very happy' in the Portuguese capital. Despite the uncertainty over his future, Gyokeres remains 'very happy' in the Portuguese capital according to Sporting's head coach Rui Borges. 'He is very happy here,' Borges told reporters after his side successfully defended their league title with a 2-0 victory over Vitoria Guimaraes. 'He is very connected to the game, he wants to score and he is obsessed with it.' Borges is confident there are no finer centre-forwards currently plying their trade in Europe. 'He is the best striker in Europe, as the numbers show,' Borges added. 'He will be attractive, but I believe that if he doesn't leave Sporting, he will remain very committed to the club. 'He feels very happy here.' Speaking to Metro courtesy of BetMGM, ex-Real Madrid midfielder Wesley Sneijder suggested a move to the Bernabeu could be a 'perfect match' for Gyokeres this summer. 'You have to pick a team which works for your playing style,' Sneijder said. 'At the moment, maybe Real [should consider signing him]. 'If it allows Kylian Mbappe to move back to the left then maybe it's a perfect match.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Man Utd on alert as Randal Kolo Muani faces decision on his future MORE: Man Utd reignite interest in £40m striker they failed to sign two years ago MORE: Martin Keown tells Manchester United to replace Ruben Amorim with Liverpool legend
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Grab These 3 Large-Cap Blend Mutual Funds for Fantastic Returns
Large-cap blend mutual funds seek to offer value appreciation through capital gains with relatively less volatility by investing in both value and growth stocks. Blend funds, also known as 'hybrid funds,' owe their origin to a graphical representation of a fund's equity-style box. In addition to diversification, blend funds are great for investors seeking a mix of growth and value. Meanwhile, significant exposure to large-cap stocks makes these blend funds safer for risk-averse investors than small-cap and mid-cap funds. Companies with a market capitalization above $10 billion are generally considered large-cap firms. Also, these funds are believed to provide a long-term performance history and assure more stability than mid or small-caps. Below, we share with you three top-ranked large-cap blend mutual funds, namely Fidelity Growth & Income FGRIX, JPMorgan U.S. Research Enhanced Equity Fund JDEAX and American Funds Investment Company of America AIVSX. Each has earned a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and is expected to outperform its peers in the future. Investors can click here to see the complete list of funds. Fidelity Growth & Income seeks dividend income along with capital appreciation by investing the majority of its net assets in domestic and foreign issues. FGRIX advisors invest in bonds, including low-quality debt securities, otherwise known as junk bonds, as well as stocks, which show prospects for future income and capital appreciation. The fund has returned 13% over the past three years. As of January 2025, FGRIXheld 169 issues, with 7% of its assets invested in Microsoft. JPMorgan U.S. Research Enhanced Equity Fund seeks total return from a diversified portfolio of equity securities with a risk profile similar to the S&P 500 Index. JDEAX invests the majority of its assets in common stocks of both U.S. companies, which are primarily part of the S&P 500 Index. The fund has returned 11.9% over the past three years. JDEAX has an expense ratio of 0.60% compared with the category average of 0.88%. American Funds Investment Company of America seeks long-term growth of capital and income, placing great emphasis on future dividends. AIVSX invests in common stocks and holds securities convertible into common stocks, as well as bonds, U.S. government securities, nonconvertible preferred stocks and cash and equivalents. The fund has returned 14.7% over the past three years. James B. Lovelace has been one of the fund managers of AIVSX since 1992. To view the Zacks Rank and the past performance of all large-cap blend mutual funds, investors can click here to see the complete list of large-cap blend mutual funds. Zacks' free Fund Newsletter will brief you on top news and analysis, as well as top-performing mutual funds, each week. Get it free >> View All Zacks #1 Ranked Mutual Funds Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Get Your Free (JDEAX): Fund Analysis Report Get Your Free (FGRIX): Fund Analysis Report Get Your Free (AIVSX): Fund Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research
Metro
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Metro
Fernandes sends message to Cunha as Man Utd future hangs in balance
Bruno Fernandes may have played his last game for Manchester United (Picture: Getty Images) Bruno Fernandes has welcomed new signing Matheus Cunha to Manchester United, as speculation over his own future intensifies. The Red Devils confirmed on Sunday that an agreement has been reached to sign the Brazilian forward from Wolves. The 26-year-old is believed to have agreed a five-year contract at Old Trafford and will complete a move worth £62.5m imminently. The Manchester United captain was quick to send a message to the new arrival, posting on the club's announcement on Instagram: 'Welcome to Old Trafford.' There is concern among Red Devils fans, though, that Fernandes will not be around for long to really welcome Cunha to the club. Get personalised updates on Manchester United every day Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. The 30-year-old may be Manchester United's captain, best player and star performer over a number of years but he is being strongly linked with a summer exit. The Portuguese superstar has the opportunity to join Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League in a deal which could earn him £200m over three years. Fernandes has welcomed Cunha to Manchester United (Picture: Instagram) Mail Sport reports that Fernandes' agent was in Riyadh holding talks last week, while the player himself was spotted at current Al Hilal star Joao Cancelo's birthday party. The offer from the Saudi clubs is believed to be worth around £100m and Manchester United legend Paul Scholes believes the Red Devils should accept it. 'They are talking about £100m for him. Man Utd cannot say no to that,' Scholes began on SkyBet's The Overlap. 'I know he has been brilliant and carried the team on his back, but where does he actually play, and what is his position? Do you see him as a number 10? Do you see him as a holding midfielder player? 'He almost confuses the whole system. I mean, he has been brilliant, don't get me wrong. But if there's £100m for him, you snap their hands off.' Cunha and Fernandes on opposite teams in December (Picture: Getty Images) Manager Ruben Amorim was asked if Fernandes had played his last game for United on the disastrous post-season trip to Malaysia. More Trending 'I don't think so. I don't know for sure. I think he wants to stay. He is saying no to a lot of things,' said Amorim of his compatriot. 'The club can find other ways to make money. The feeling I get is that he wants to continue for sure with Man United, you never know.' The bookmakers now disagree, with the Portugal international odds-on to sign for a Saudi side this summer. Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: 'Bruno Fernandes is odds-on to sign for any Saudi Pro League Club this summer following reports that the Red Devils' captain has been given one week to decide whether to leave Old Trafford amid strong interest from Al-Hilal.' Arrow MORE: Chelsea told they should have signed £64m Man Utd target instead of Liam Delap Arrow MORE: Rio Ferdinand says it 'hurts' that Man Utd were beaten to £29.5m signing by bitter rivals
Metro
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Metro
Gary Lineker names his ‘favourite' to win Ballon d'Or ahead of Mohamed Salah
Gary Lineker has named his 'favourite' to win the Ballon d'Or ahead of Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah. Despite intense speculation over a departure from Anfield, Salah enjoyed arguably his best season at the club, scoring a league best 29 goals in the Premier League. Salah's form helped Arne Slot's Liverpool clinch the Premier League title and led to calls for the Egyptian to bag his first Ballon d'Or award, given to the best footballer in the world over the past year. But Lineker believes Salah, 32, will be left disappointed yet again and has tipped Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League winner Ousmane Dembele to be recognised as the best player on the planet. Dembele starred in PSG's maiden Champions League triumph and also helped Luis Enrique's side clinch a domestic double, scoring 33 goals in all competitions. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. 'We have to come to the inevitable question of the Ballon d'Or,' ex-England striker and Match of the Day host Lineker said on The Rest is Football podcast. 'It's obviously hugely influenced generally by the team that wins the Champions League. But in some ways because of the nature of PSG's teamwork it doesn't come down to one individual. 'You could probably give it to quite a few of their players. I suppose Dembele will be the favourite. He had a couple of really good moments in the final despite not getting a goal. 'He was very involved in quite a few of the goals, one assist and maybe a pre-assist as well. I think he will probably be favourite now. 'Donnaruma might have a slight chance but goalkeepers rarely get it. Maybe Hakimi as well.' Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer added: 'I would guess Dembele, he would probably be the favourite for it now.' PSG beat Premier League clubs Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal on route to the final and then thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 to lift the trophy. Following the final, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard said on TNT Sports: 'Does Luis Enrique deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho or Pep Guardiola? The answer is yes. 'This team he has created and put together over the past year or two can beat you in any given way. 'The talent across this squad – it is a special group of players and they're getting coached by a special person as well.' More Trending Meanwhile, Salah recently discussed his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or, admitting he used to be obsessed with the prospect of landing the gong. 'It used to drive me crazy before,' Salah, who has signed a new deal to stay at Anfield, told Sky Sports. 'Some stuff is not in your hands so you give up in that direction. 'When you go to work you remind yourself what you want to achieve in the season so it drives you to work harder. 'I'd love to win it one day. But if it didn't happen, it's okay. I'm sure there's a good chance to win it this year, but we'll see.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Reason Gary Lineker's final interview with Mohamed Salah was 'scrapped' revealed MORE: Rio Ferdinand says it 'hurts' that Man Utd were beaten to £29.5m signing by bitter rivals MORE: Liverpool fans fear £37m star is leaving after girlfriend's social media post
