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Cristiano Ronaldo makes football history in Juventus Super Cup win - Teamtalk.com

Cristiano Ronaldo moved past Josef Bican for the most goals scored for club and country in football history on Wednesday evening - with his tally now at an incredible 760.

Cristiano Ronaldo moved past Josef Bican for the most goals scored for club and country in football history on Wednesday evening – with his tally now at an incredible 760. The Juventus attacker has continued to defy his years since arriving from Real Madrid for £100m back in 2018. And his strike against Napoli in the Italian Super Cup has now moved him top of the all-time goalscoring charts. The 35-year-old five-time Ballon d’Or winner recently moved past the legendary Pele (757), while Romario is fourth (743) and Lionel Messi (719) fifth. Of his 760 official goals, as recorded by Opta, 450 came during his nine-year spell at Real. He also netted 118 for Manchester United, 102 for Portugal, 85 for Juve and five at Sporting Lisbon. His most prolific scoring year came in 2013 when he notched a remarkable 69 times. The five-time Champions League winner’s most prolific scoring season was in 2011-12 – with 69 goals overall. He scored 488 with his right foot, 139 on his left, 131 with his head and two via other body parts, as reported by Sky Sports. Ronaldo notched 410 times at home, 304 away and 46 at neutral venues. He has also scored 46 hat-tricks, while there were eight occasions where he scored four times in a match. The legendary forward also scored five times in a game twice. His LaLiga tally stands at a total of 311, with 134 in the Champions League, 84 in the Premier League, 67 in Serie A. He also has 30 in World Cup qualifying, 31 in qualifying for the European Championships, 13 in the FA Cup and seven at the World Cup. It doesn’t appear as if he is done yet, however, after admitting recently that he wants to carry on playing. He said: “If you feel motivated, it doesn’t matter. “Cristiano now is good. I feel in a great moment, but I don’t know tomorrow what’s going to happen. I live the present, the moment. Moment is good, I feel happy. “I feel still good, sharp and in a good moment in my life. I hope to play many, many years more, but you never know. This is football, we don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. “My eyes see the future very, very bright, so I’m happy with that.” READ MORE: No pressure as Rio compares Diallo arrival to legendary Man Utd signing

Euro Paper Talk: €12m Man Utd bid for Argentina ace; Wijnaldum exit done - Teamtalk.com

Manchester United are keen to bring a powerful Argentina defender to Old Trafford, Barcelona and Real Madrid want Ben White, while a European giant will snatch a star away from Liverpool with a pre-contract agreement reached, according to Tuesday's Euro Paper…

Manchester United are keen to bring a powerful Argentina defender to Old Trafford, two LaLiga sides want Ben White, while a European giant will snatch a star away from Liverpool with a pre-contract agreement reached, according to Tuesday’s Euro Paper Talk. MEDINA WANTED BY MANCHESTER UNITED Manchester United are reportedly poised to make an opening bid of 12m for RC Lens defender Facundo Medina. The Red Devils are looking to bolster their defence this month as they push for the Premier League title. And according to La Voix du Nord, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has identified the Argentine as the perfect recruit. The 21-year-old arrived from Club Atlético Talleres in the summer for just over 3m. But he has quickly established himself as one of Ligue 1’s best defenders. Indeed, he has helped Lens to a respectable 10th so far following their promotion into the top flight. La Voix du Nord claims United have ‘very seriously asked’ Lens about the prospects of a January deal for Medina. Furthermore, United are readying an opening 12m bid for the one-time Argentina cap. Despite making an almost-instant 400% profit, Lens are likely to reject that approach. As per the report, the chances of Lens selling Medina in January are ‘slim’. However, the report does not rule out a deal further down the line with Lens likely to hold out for nearer 20m. The paper concludes that United could try sweeten the deal for Lens. They state Solskjaer could look to sign Medina now but loan him back to the Ligue 1 side for the rest of the season. Medina, who stands at 5ft 11, can also operate as a left-back. WIJNALDUM AGREES BARCELONA MOVE Georginho Wijnaldum has signed a pre-contract agreement to join Barcelona from Liverpool this summer. (Todofijaches) Barcelona and Real Madrid have joined Liverpool and Leeds in the chase for Brighton defender Ben White. (Don Balon) Barcelona will rival Man Utd for highly-rated Ajax wonderkid Ryan Gravenberch this summer. (Don Balon) Aston Villa are in advanced talks for Marseille’s Morgan Sanson and a 15m deal has ‘never been closer’. (Le 10 Sport) Liverpool remain in the hunt for David Alaba after claims of an agreement with Real Madrid were strongly denied. (Bild) PSG WON’T BEG NEYMAR, MBAPPE TO STAY Leonardo insists PSG will not beg star players Kylian Mbappe and Neymar to extend their contracts at PSG and amid interest from elsewhere. (France Football) Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has been offered to La Liga giants Real Madrid in the January transfer window. (Defensa Central) Crystal Palace are keen on Reims striker Boulaye Dia but face competition from Fulham. (Le 10 Sport) AC Milan are targeting summer deals for Barcelona duo Samuel Umtiti and Junior Firpo. (Mundo Deportivo) Mesut Ozil has accepted a staggering cut in his salary to realise his dream transfer to Fenerbahce. (AS) INAKI WILLIAMS HAPPY AT BILBAO Inaki Williams would happily sign a contract to commit his entire career to Athletic Bilbao, claims his agent. (Marca) Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin has emerged as a serious transfer target for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. (Calciomercato) AC Milan technical director Paolo Maldini says a loan move for Chelsea’s Fikayo Tomori is close, but may yet fall through. (Sky Italia) Inter Milan have seemingly won the race for Rodrigo De Paul despite links with the likes of Liverpool and Leeds. (Tuttosport) Japanese star  Takefusa Kubo hopes to grow as a player during his loan spell at Getafe from Real Madrid. (Marca) Subscribe for free to TEAMtalk’s daily newsletter… AND MORE FROM EURO PAPER TALK PSG sporting director Leonardo insists they remain keen to sign Lionel Messi, whose contract ends with Barcelona this summer. (Sport) Sporting director Giuseppe Ursino said certain players dont want to join Crotone, following a failed approach for Torinos Federico Bonazzoli. (Radio Sportiva) Tottenham have named their price for Dele Alli after deciding against allowing him to join PSG on loan this month. (Canal Supporters via Le Parisien) Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic said hes happy to learn he’ll soon be joined at the club by Mario Mandzukic. (Sky Italia)

Man Utd to present new Jadon Sancho bid as twist forces Dortmund to talk - Teamtalk.com

Manchester United remain hopeful of signing Jadon Sancho next summer after reports in Spain claimed a major factor had swung events in their favour.

Manchester United remain hopeful of signing Jadon Sancho next summer after reports in Spain claimed a major factor had swung events in their favour. England attacker Jadon Sancho was Uniteds top summer transfer target, but they failed to get anywhere near signing the 20-year-old. Its understood the Bundesliga side were open to selling Sancho at the start of the summer, on their own terms. Sporting director Michael Zorc laid out their demands a £108m transfer fee and a deadline to do the deal by August 10. United chief Ed Woodward though failed to match the Germans demands and once the deadline passed their chances of signing Sancho evaporated. Ultimately, Ole Gunnar Solskjaers claim that United were one of the most financially well-off clubs did not sit well with BVB chiefs. However, Spanish outlet Todofijachesis adamant that all is not lost for United. They state that Sancho, while happy at Dortmund, has told the Bundesliga club he ultimately wants to play for United. As such, that will reportedly force the Bundesliga giants back round the negotiation table with United. And while Dortmund are unlikely to relent on their 120m asking price, they do, its claimed, now accept that Sancho will move on. Indeed, Todofijaches are confident that a deal to take Sancho to United could be completed before the European Championships. They even suggest that, with talks due to resume early in 2021, a deal could be announced before the end of the January window. That arrangement would see the clubs confirm the deal, but for Sancho to see out the season at the Westfalonstadion. Norwegian pundit Jan Aage Fjortoft is also adamant both Sancho and Erling Haaland could still be lured away. He says Dortmund status as a nearly club could ultimately lead to them opting to move on. And only winning a major trophy this season could indeed persuade them to stay. Viv Anderson said to me, but Jan, its quite easy, young kids want to win trophies thats why theyre in the game, Fjortoft said to ESPN. One day they will go away, meet each other now at international break and they will say youre a good team, you have good talent, how many trophies have you got? I think that is the danger with Dortmund. They have the best Norwegian, the best American, the two best English, although Sancho is not at the moment unfortunately. That is the main challenge for Dortmund. How long can they keep these young kids without winning trophies? The culture needs to be built up. Its also typical that Bayern [have] got that culture at the moment because they have that winning mentality in there. Subscribe for free to TEAMtalk’s daily newsletter… Sancho reflects on drop in form Sancho, meanwhile, has disputed claims that interest from United has seen his form at Dortmund drop off. The winger is yet to get off the mark in the Bundesliga this season. He did, however, score his first England goal in 14 months as they beat the Republic of Ireland 3-0 in a friendly last week. But the 20-year-old does not believe the persistent rumours over his future have led to his slow start to the current campaign. No, I dont think so, he replied, when asked if transfer talk has had an impact. Every player has a little dip in their career and I feel like Im going through that at the moment. It is just how I am bouncing back and Im just happy to have managers who have faith in me. Im just happy to be starting for England. Every time I play I try to do my best. Luckily enough I got the goal and Im happy to help the team again. READ MORE ~ Euro Paper Talk: United keen on deal for Spain midfield wizard

Man City and Barcelona have deal 'in place', as Guardiola extension nears - Teamtalk.com

A deal has been struck between a Man City star and Barcelona over his switch to La Liga in the next summer window, claims a report.

A deal has been struck between a Man City star and Barcelona over his switch to La Liga in the next summer window, claims a report. Man City appear to be edging closer to convincing Pep Guardiola to agree fresh terms as the club’s manager. The uncertainty over his future had previously been suggested as a possible reason behind their sluggish start to the campaign. Furthermore, Rio Ferdinand had detailed one ‘big problem’ the club could face with regards to the transfer market amid the indecision. However, with a new contract now appearing likely – per The Telegraph – attention can now turn to future transfer windows. The club invested heavily in their defence last summer, with Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias improving their quality immeasurably at the heart of defence. One consequence of the pair’s arrival, however, is the pushing down the pecking order of incumbent centre-half Eric Garcia. The Spanish youngster’s contract expires at the end of the season. As such, rumours began to swirl over where he would land if no new agreement were to be reached. A recent report claimed Catalonian giants Barcelona had made a miserly offer ahead of the winter window as the club continue to struggle financially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Real Madrid then entered the fray, but according to the latest reports, Garcia now appears Barcelona-bound. Goal(citing Spanish outlet Sport) reveal that Barcelona ‘have a deal in place’ for the 19-year-old. The reported agreement will see the defender return to his boyhood in the summer. This would likely be as a free agent and not in January as had previously been speculated. Today’s Paper Talk – Liverpool on alert as tempting Kylian Mbappe transfer fee emerges Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe is looking increasingly likely to leave PSG in summer 2021, according to reports. The World Cup winner is contracted to the Ligue 1 giants until 2022. However, talks over a renewal have, so far, failed to see an agreement reached. Should he refuse to sign the new deal in the coming months, the Daily Mail claims Mbappe will be sold in the summer. Check out the eye-watering sum touted in the full story here.

Solskjaer warned over-reliance on two stars will get Man Utd nowhere - Teamtalk.com

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs to find a new solution to his midfield dilemma if he is to bring silverware to Manchester United, according to one pundit.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs to find a new solution to his midfield dilemma if he is to bring silverware to Manchester United, according to one pundit. United have a wide-ranging midfield talent pool, added to in the summer by Donny van de Beek. But while Bruno Fernandes looks assured of his role, there is competition for places behind him. Indeed, Van de Beek, Fred, Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic are all fighting for game time. Solskjaer has often preferred to field Fred and McTominay behind Fernandes this season. The pairing have proved a reliable safety net for the manager in protecting his side’s defence. Indeed, Fred and McTominay were effective again in helping the Red Devils beat Everton at Goodison Park. According to Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, however, Solskjaer cannot rely on the pairing to help win United silverware further down the line. “(Solskjaer) did get a reaction,” the pundit told Premier League Productions (via The Independent). “They did play better after Evertons 1-0. I just think that they have problems in the team. “Theyre not as good as they used to be. Thats normal because were expecting too much from [them] just because theyre Manchester United.” Talking about the midfield duo, Hasselbaink added: “Thats not a Manchester United team is it? Two defensive midfield players, going to Everton where you should have more attacking players on the pitch, especially Pogba. “Longer term you cannot have Fred and McTominay in your team to become champions or to challenge for the championship.” Ferdinand takes issue with Solskjaer reports Aside from the questions about United’s midfield, there were more pressing concerns before the Everton game about Solskjaer’s future. The Red Devils went into the game off the back of two straight defeats. What’s more, reports claimed United had reached out to Mauricio Pochettino. Following the result in Merseyside, Ferdinand took issue with such speculation, claiming it was “disrespectful”. Moreover, he claimed to set the record straight with inside information of his own. Read more…

Sancho tells agent to get Man Utd transfer 'done' as revised price tag emerges - Teamtalk.com

Jadon Sancho has apparently told his agent to get his dream move to Manchester United done and is confident it will be wrapped up before the Monday deadline.

Jadon Sancho has apparently told his agent to get his dream move to Manchester United done and is confident it will be wrapped up before the Monday deadline. On Tuesday, United submitted a bid for Sancho worth up to £91.3m, which was rejected by Borussia Dortmund. Sky Sports claim the offer was for an initial £73m, rising to £91.3m. However, that fell short of Dortmunds £108m valuation, which they publicly sticking to. Dortmund have insisted that Sancho will not be sold this summerafter United missed the August 10 deadline imposed by the Bundesliga club. Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said last month: Jadon Sancho will play with us next season. The decision is final. The Scottish Sun report that Dortmund want a minimum of £80m up front, plus add-ons. But sources suggest Dortmund may be willing to accept £15m in added-on clauses, taking the deal to a revised £95m. Whatever the price, the 20-year-old wants his top advisors to “pull out all the stops” to secure his move to Old Trafford. The paper claims Dortmund are privately resigned to losing the player and cite a source, saying: “He wants this deal done. “He’s told his agent and various advisors to do all they can to make it happen. “They are pushing for him.” Ed Woodward and the United board are frantically looking for a wide attacker and have a list of other targets should they not complete a move for Sancho. Sancho was left out of the Dortmund squad for the German Super Cup clash with Bayern Munich on Wednesday.  The Bundesliga club cited a respiratory infection, but the England international has tested negative for Covid-19. Chiesa enquiry rebuffed Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph report that United had a loan enquiry turned down for Italy winger Federico Chiesa. Fiorentina were not willing to consider a loan for the 22-year-old Chiesa, who is rated around the £45m mark. Juventus are said to be keen on the attacker, who will not be arriving at Old Trafford. Its understood that United are talking to Barcelona over a move for Ousmane Dembele, A renewed offer for Sancho though has not been ruled out and the paper say the deal is not dead. Sky Sports also suggest that Solskjaer and Ed Woodward are considering an improved offer for Sancho. READ MORE…

Former Tottenham star says Dele Alli should 'not hesitate' in joining Arsenal - Teamtalk.com

Tottenham star Dele Alli needs a "fresh challenge" and Arsenal could be the place for him, according to one former Spurs star.

Tottenham star Dele Alli needs a “fresh challenge” and Arsenal could be the place for him, according to one former Spurs star. Alli has been left out of Tottenham’s squad for the last two Premier League games, and has been linked with PSG and Inter Milan in recent weeks. And Darren Bent admits he would completely understand if the England midfielder wanted to quit Spurs. The 24-year-old has scored 62 goals in 224 appearances for the club since joining from MK Dons in 2015. But Bent thinks Alli is too good to just be restricted to cup outings. Stating that he should look for a move elsewhere. “For players at times, hes been at Tottenham for a while now, and I think maybe hes a product of a process where hes been at Spurs, theyve got to the Champions League final, but other than that, theres been a couple of top-four finishes,” Bent told talkSPORT. “I think any player comes to a point where they need a fresh challenge. “I think for Dele Alli, Mourinho has come in, theyve clashed, and I think hes thinking, I need a new challenge here and I think he deserves that. “Hes not going to be happy playing Carabao Cup games. Because they play Chelsea in the week and if they get beat thats no more Carabao Cup. “So are we saying we wont see him in the Premier League for weeks and weeks? “We cant wait until the FA Cup. So if Im Dele Alli Im looking at an option to get out of there.” When asked if a move to bitter north London rivals Arsenal would be good for Alli, Bent replied: “100 per cent. I wouldnt even hesitate.” FULHAM MAKE MOVE FOR SPURS STAR Fulham have reportedly entered the race for unsettled Tottenham defender Juan Foyth. Scott Parker wants to sign a defensive reinforcement before the deadline, after top target Marlon failed a medical. The Cottagers were keen on Sassuolos Marlon, but the Brazilian has failed a medical, according to The Athletics David Ornstein. The former Barcelona defender had been on the verge of a £13m move, but that has now fallen through. Therefore, Fulham are now having to look elsewhere for a defensive reinforcement. And Ornstein claims the answer could come from a London rival. The player in question is Juan Foyth. The Argentine defender has fallen out of favour under Jose Mourinho, and is looking to leave Spurs before deadline day. Read more…

Wolves eye Liverpool raid for electric midfielder facing game-time crisis - Teamtalk.com

Wolves are keen on pushing through a second raid on Liverpool, this time for midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, according to a report.

Wolves are keen on pushing through a second raid on Liverpool, this time for midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, according to a report. The two clubs have already conducted business with one another this transfer window. Young defender Ki-Jana Hoever moved to Molineux on Friday, before Diogo Jota went the other way on Saturday. Both Nuno Espirito Santo and Jurgen Klopp have made key acquisitions; Hoever will go some way to replacing Matt Doherty at right-wing back, while Jota will provide crucial support to Liverpool’s front three. However, according to the Sunday Mirror, Wolves are keen to do more business with the Anfield club. The newspaper claims Nuno’s side want to sign Oxlade-Chamberlain, who could fall down Klopp’s pecking order this season. The England international has previously struggled for game time in Liverpool’s midfield, Klopp’s strongest area. However, Thiago Alcantara’s arrival could see his pitch minutes diminish further, the report claims. The Reds confirmed the arrival of former Bayern Munich star Thiago on Friday. Oxlade-Chamberlain made 30 Premier League appearances in all competitions last season but rarely completed 90 minutes. Indeed, he was often a substitute or brought on to make an impact with his energy. The 27-year-old can provide a crucial boost to Liverpool with his forward runs and willingness to run at the opposition. However, the Sunday Mirror says Thiago’s arrival makes Oxlade-Chamberlain’s hopes of game time unclear. As such, Wolves are reportedly looking to take advantage of the situation with a swoop for the ex-Arsenal star. The newspaper adds that Liverpool will look to earn as much of the £35million they paid the Gunners for his signing in 2017. Thiago’s arrival means Liverpool have the Spaniard, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, Georginio Wijnaldum and James Milner all competing for game time in midfield. Curtis Jones, 19, could also rival the more established first-team players for game time. Klopp stressed on Friday that Thiago’s arrival would not impact any member of his squad in a “negative way”. Indeed, the Reds boss likes to rotate in midfield to maintain high energy levels and his side’s penchant for pressing. READ MORE: Liverpool learn fee as journalist claims approach for Bundesliga defender

Gareth Bale 'willing to make' Man Utd loan - but rivals storm into lead - Teamtalk.com

Manchester United face the prospect of missing out on Gareth Bale, despite reports suggesting the winger is willing to move to Old Trafford on loan.

Manchester United face the prospect of missing out on Gareth Bale, despite reports suggesting the winger is willing to move to Old Trafford on loan. Bale has fallen down the pecking order in the past couple of years at Real Madrid. The Wales winger has spoken out about his frustration at being frozen out of the team and denied the chance to leave. The former Tottenham star was close to leaving the club for China in 2019, but that deal fell through. Now, a return to the Premier League could be on the cards. Reports emerged recently suggesting Man Utd had reignited their interest in Bale. The Red Devils rivalled Madrid for his signature back in 2013, before his then-record move to the Bernabeu. However, if he is to leave Madrid before the window closes, it could be for a vastly-reduced fee. According to Mundo Deportivo, Real are willing to sell Bale for just £18m. Thats because they are desperate to get his £15m-per-season wages off the books. Furthermore, The Times reports Bale would also consider a loan move to United if that were to improve his prospects of a move. They state Bale is that desperate to leave Madrid he will take any means necessary to secure a move away. United, on their part, appear in no hurry to tie up the prospective deal. With the window open until October 5, United will leave it as long as possible to secure top target Jadon Sancho. Those hopes, however, appear to be fading by the day. A lesser-heard Borussia Dortmund official further dampened United’s chances when questioned about the player. United’s delay in making a decision over Bale has, it would appeal, allowed Tottenham to move to the front of the queue. According to ESPN, Jose Mourinho and Daniel Levy have already held talks about the prospect of bringing the 31-year-old back to the club. They claim the chance to re-sign the star they sold for over £85m back in 2013 ‘hugely interests’ the club. The £18m asking price is also said to be not pose a problem. The issue for Spurs, however, remains Bale’s wages. Real are said to be willing to pay 50% of his £600,000 a week deal. However, the £1.2m a month cost that remains still represents a sticking point. Indeed, their current top earner, Harry Kane, is thought to earn £200,000 a week. However, the club are desperate to sign a left-sided attacker. Furthermore, they also need a morale-boost after Sunday’s miserable 1-0 home defeat to Everton. As such, it’s believed Tottenham will explore all angles to try and pull off his signature. And their hunger to secure his signing could prove the difference and help them beat United to the punch.

Bild accuse Thiago Alcantara of 'lying' amid major Liverpool transfer update - Teamtalk.com

German paper Bild are adamant Thiago Alcantara will be joining Liverpool this transfer window and have accused the player of covering up the truth over his future.

German paper Bild are adamant Thiago Alcantara will be joining Liverpool this transfer window and have accused the player of covering up the truth over his future. Spanish midfielder Thiago was one of the key players in Bayerns victorious Champions League campaign. However, with just one year left on his contract, the club arent optimistic about keeping him. Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for Thiago, especially if Georginio Wijnaldum moves to Barcelona. Some reports suggest that Manchester United want to hijack Liverpools move. However, the 29-year-old apparently prefers a switch to Anfield for two reasons. Those Liverpool hopes have grown over the weekend. As per the Daily Express, they claim the midfielder is in the advanced stages of talks over the move to Liverpool. However, Thiago himself has done his best to distance himself from claims he wants to quit Bayern. In fact, the midfielder’s latest comments would suggest he’s irked at speculation he wants to leave the Allianz Arena. I have not said at any time that I am leaving. Every year you put me in a different team,” he said. I am on the sidelines, my future is Sunday’s game right now. I neither care nor am I interested in what I know I talked. However, that denial has prompted an article from Bild entitled, ‘Why is Thiago lying?’. In the article, translated by Sport Witness, they state Thiago caused ‘astonishment’ in the German media with his statement. The surprise comes after the German paper state the player has already made it clear he will be leaving Bayern. They state his luxury Villa in Grunwald has long been for sale. In addition, Bild claim the player has already said his goodbyes to his Bayern teammates. Furthermore, Bild are adamant the player will emerge from this transfer window as a Liverpool player. The article even brands Liverpool the ‘hottest favourites yet’ to sign the classy midfielder. However, they do offer two solid reasons as to why Thiago has tried to distance himself from the rumours. Bild believes the fact Jurgen Klopp’s side are yet to table an official bid are likely to be behind the player’s denials. Furthermore, the longer the saga goes on, the more pressure Bayern will find themselves under the sell Thiago. Their asking price is believed to currently stand at 30m (£27m). However, the nearer the end of the window it gets, the more pressure Bayern will be under to sanction the deal. That could yet work in Liverpool’s favour. And especially given the Reds will likely have to sell before they can buy. Jamie Carragher, meanwhile, is excited to see what Thiago can bring to the Liverpool side. The Bayern star is reported to be in advanced talks as a move from Bayern Munich nears. Speaking in a Daily Telegraph Q&A, Carragher hailed what he would bring to Liverpools midfield. He has come through the Barcelona school. The Liverpool midfielders all do a brilliant job but are similar. Thiago can control the game more and add a bit extra in midfield technically, Carragher said. Carragher also believes, but for the coronavirus, Liverpool would have signed Timo Werner. He added: It is just whether the same team can do it again without reinforcements. I think there would have been new faces but for Covid-19. Liverpool, I think, would have signed Timo Werner if the situation was not as it is. I just hope they can get the Thiago Alcantara deal over the line. I think you trust Liverpool on transfers now. They are masters of the transfer market in terms of getting players for good fees and receiving big fees for their players. It may be a game being played with Thiago at the moment. It looks like someone they want, and they are playing the long game. He would be a good signing. But if he does come in, I think it will be towards the end of the transfer window and Liverpool trying to get him as cheap as possible. Read more here.

Gareth Bale departure from Real Madrid hit by £30m wage snag - Teamtalk.com

Gareth Bale's exit from Real Madrid looks set to be held up further due to the Spanish giants refusing to pay the the final two years of his salary.

Gareth Bale’s exit from Real Madrid looks set to be held up further due to the Spanish giants refusing to pay the the final two years of his salary. Bale’s £15.1m per year deal means the pay-off would hit a sizable £30.2m. And Real claim they are not willing to do a deal with the Welshman. Right now, it seems an impasse has been reached. While Spanish outlet Marca suggest Bale’s representatives have set up a meeting, Sportsmail say nothing is in place. The saga is a long-running one. Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane seems to have lost faith in the player. That is shown by Bale seeing just 100 minutes of action in Real’s final 11 games. As the friction grew, Bale opted not to travel to the Champions League last-16 leg against Manchester City. Marca report that Real now want to meet with Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett to test his commitment to the club. However, Barnett is understood not to want to instigate a meeting. He insists the player will see out his contract. The chances of that could have been improved by James Rodriguez looking set to complete a move to Everton. Bale is now on international duty with Wales. But national coach Ryan Giggs says he can’t shed more light on his star winger’s situation. “I haven’t spoken to Zidane,” said Giggs. “My French and Spanish isn’t too good. That’s my way out of that one. “I know Zidane’s English isn’t very good from experience. I’m just monitoring the situation. When Gareth gets on camp I will speak to him like I always do. “I’ve always said to him if he wants to speak then I’ll listen and be more than happy to help him. “He’s experienced and professional enough to look after himself. But I’m there if he ever needs to speak.” If Bale does depart, his next move remains open to debate. Ahead of last season, he was on the verge of a switch to Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning but the move collapsed. Previous reports have linked him with a return to Tottenham. However, it appears that no current bids are on the table.

Swap deal an option as Man Utd learn price of Sancho alternative Brooks - Teamtalk.com

Manchester United have learnt the price Bournemouth are seeking for David Brooks this summer - and it's likely to tempt an approach, claim reports.

Manchester United have learnt the price Bournemouth are seeking for David Brooks this summer – and it’s likely to tempt an approach, claim reports. Uniteds chase for Jadon Sancho has slowed in the past week, with Borussia Dortmund refusing to lower their valuation. The Bundesliga giants want £108million, with United yet to submit a bid despite agreeing personal terms with the England international. Our exclusive on Wednesday revealed that a deal was still a long way from completion. As such, United are considering viable alternatives. On Wednesday, the name of Brooks came to the forefront. The Wales winger has an army of admirers, despite his injury issues last season, where he missed all but nine matches. Nonetheless, he is a player that United greatly admire. The Warrington-born wideman is being tracked by Everton and Tottenham this summer. As the Cherries prepare for life back in the Championship, their Russian owner Maxim Demin is reported to have named his price. As per The Sun, Bournemouth will sell Brooks if any club matches their £40m asking price. It’s suggested the price will be enough to tempt United to make their move. The paper claims Solskjaer is more than keen to bring him to Old Trafford. They state the Wales winger is their No 1 pick should efforts for Sancho fail. In addition, they claim Solskjaer will seek the advice of Ryan Giggs, who has managed the player for Wales. However, talks with the Cherries or the players representatives have not yet begun. However, the idea has been floated that United could offer Daniel James on a season’s loan to help sway Bournemouth. Reports last month claimed the Red Devils could allow the winger to make a temporary move away James started brightly at Old Trafford but soon lost his way thereafter. Brooks, meanwhile, cost Bournemouth £11.5m from Sheffield United in the summer of 2018. He enjoyed a stellar debut season in the Premier League, scoring seven goals in 30 games. READ MORE: Man Utd on the road first but face delay to Premier League start Manchester United will reportedly offer goalkeeper Sergio Romero as part of negotiations for Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faces a major dilemma this summer with Dean Henderson returning to the club after an impressive two-year loan stint at Sheffield United. MEN Sport states that Henderson is determined to become the first-choice goalkeeper at Old Trafford. However, he will consider his options if he doesnt receive assurances over regular game time. Romero has impressed for United in the Europa League this season but lost his place for the semi-final defeat against Sevilla. Read more here…