Swapping Seagulls for Toffees
Everton would reportedly be interested in signing Matt O’Riley from Brighton this summer.
The midfielder has just finished his debut season with the Seagulls after signing from Celtic last summer for a reported £25million.
However, Sky Sports report that Everton may be keen to bring the Denmark international to Merseyside.
David Moyes’ side are said to be set for competition from European sides for the 24-year-old.
Clubs in Serie A have held long-term interest in O’Riley, but Brighton fans insist that they do not want him to leave.
“Not for sale,” said one on X, and another added: “Never happening.”
A third commented: “Considering he’s only been with us for one season, he’s not for sale.”
Football news LIVE: Man United confirm Cunha signing, Liverpool to bid for Kerkez with Kelleher set for Brentford, Italian giants want Silva
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Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Jeremie Frimpong, with Trent Alexander-Arnold announced as a Real Madrid player.
The Reds have also submitted a £109 million bid for Florian Wirtz, while an offer for Milos Kerkez is set to come next.
Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes is seriously considering a move to Saudi Arabia as he remains Al Hilal’s top target this summer.
But Matheus Cunha has now been confirmed to be joining Manchester United for a fee of £62.5million.
GOAL! Hong Kong 1-0 Man United
The hosts have taken the lead inside 20 minutes following an absolute clanger from third-choice veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
Brazilian-born forward Juninho latches onto a ball behind the Red Devils’ defence, but Godwill Kukonki puts the angle against him.
He fires a low shot at the near post, which somehow manages to squirm underneath Heaton into the back of the net.
Rangers takeover confirmed
Rangers have confirmed that a deal with 49ers Enterprises for a controlling stake of at least 51 per cent has been completed.
The Gers have gained approval from the Scottish FA for the group, which owns NFL side San Francisco 49ers, as well as healthcare tycoon Andrew Cavenagh, to ‘chart a new strategic vision for the club’s future’.
A statement on the club’s website read: “The new leadership has committed to invest £20 million into the club at this time, which will be subject to shareholder approval at the General Meeting on 23 June 2025.
“Cavenagh, a business leader and healthcare executive, will serve as Board Chairman.
“He will work closely with Paraag Marathe, who joins the Board as Vice Chairman and is the President of 49ers Enterprises, a sports investment entity also led by San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York. Cavenagh and Marathe have spent decades leading highly successful businesses and world class sports brands and as part of the Board will oversee all aspects of the club in this next chapter.”
Andrew Cavenagh said: “We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us by the Rangers Board, shareholders, staff, and supporters.
“This club’s history and traditions speak for themselves, but history doesn’t win matches. We know that the true way to honour the club’s heritage will be to drive performance.
“Our focus is simple: elevate performance, deliver results, and bring Rangers back to where it belongs – at the top.”
Credit: Getty
Storm Bru-ing
Al-Hilal have held productive talks with Bruno Fernandes’ agent, talkSPORT understands.
Fernandes is Hilal’s top target, and President Fahad bin Nafel has pitched directly to the Manchester United captain.
Hilal have made it clear to Fernandes that he must join before the Club World Cup in the 1-10 June window.
That has put a deadline on the 30-year-old to make a decision, with the offer being withdrawn in seven days.
Hilal are prepared to make a first offer of €100m to Man United, while Fernandes can earn £700k-per-week plus bonuses if he agrees to the move.
Hilal already have the budget signed off, as the funds allocated to try and sign Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah have been retained by the club.
Flo, Flo, Flo your boat
Bayer Leverkusen’s Nathan Tella has shared his thoughts on his teammate Florian Wirtz’s impending transfer to Liverpool.
Speaking to talkSPORT about his Anfield-bound pal, ex-Southampton star Tella said the 22-year-old is ‘unbelievable’.
“As a player he’s brilliant,” said Tella.
“You know, I’ve worked with him for the last 2 years and it’s like each day I could just see this guy is unbelievable.
“It’s no surprise he has a lot of interest in him because he’s a brilliant player, but we trust that the club will make the right decision, he’ll make the right decision.
“And as a friend, I hope he’s also happy with whatever decision he makes, but we will support him regardless.”
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Gunner move fast
Arsenal and RB Leipzig have reportedly started negotiations regarding Benjamin Sesko.
talkSPORT revealed in January that Sesko has already indicated that he wants to join the Gunners over Premier League rivals Chelsea and Man United.
The north London club have reignited their interest in the 21-year-old striker from last summer.
According to Sky Germany, there was already a meeting between the executives Marcel Schäfer and Andrea Berta in London.
The report adds that it remains unclear whether Arsenal are able to afford the full package.
Discussions are said to be currently ongoing about a possible payment structure.
The release clause is set at over €80 million (£67m).
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Bru Beauty
Bruno Fernandes starts for Manchester United for what may potentially be the final ever time in a friendly in Hong Kong.
The Red Devils conclude their post-season tour of Asia in their final match before the summer break following a 1-0 defeat to ASEAN All-Stars.
Heaton, Fredricson, Evans, Kukonki, Kamason, Casemiro, Fernandes, Amass, Lacey, Garnacho, Hojlund
Subs: Bayindir, Armer, Dorgu, Heaven, Munro, Kone, Collyer, T Fletcher, Mainoo, Moorhouse, Mount, Thwaites, Ugarte, Amad, Obi
Florian Friday
It’s not all doom and gloom for Liverpool fans, however, with news breaking from Germany that a move for Florian Wirtz is hotting up.
talkSPORT revealed earlier this week that Wirtz has agreed personal terms with the Reds as a move to Anfield edges closer.
The Reds are in pole position to sign the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, with Manchester City and Bayern Munich out of the race.
Bayern have accepted defeat in the hunt for the talented Germany international after he told the Bundesliga champions he favours a move to Liverpool.
Meanwhile, the Citizens have ended their interest in the midfielder due to the eye-watering costs involved in a transfer.
German outlet Bild claimed that Liverpool tabled an initial bid exceeding €100 million (£85 million) for the 22-year-old.
The report adds that their follow-up offer is £100m plus £10-£12m in add-ons (€130.5m-€133m) for the Germany international.
Leverkusen are said to be demanding a transfer fee of 150 million euros, but Liverpool are hoping to reduce the total package to around 135 million euros, with a quick agreement seeming likely.
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Roll out the red carpet
Troy Deeney has reacted to the news that Liverpool have agreed a deal to allow Trent Alexander-Arnold to join Real Madrid early.
He told Matterface and Crook on talkSPORT: “A lot of people in the Liverpool fan base were frustrated as they were getting nothing for him. Do they owe Trent an apology?
“That would be the question or do they think £10 million isn’t enough? I just think it’s a good deal all round.
“He’s moved on. Seeing him upset with his family, obviously, it meant a lot to him leaving Liverpool.
“But he’s made his decision and he will go on to have an even more stellar career than what he’s already had.
“Maybe Liverpool fans now will feel a little bit easier and it’s an easier pill to swallow.”
“I think they’ve got their right to boo. When he puts the statement out that he wants to leave, you can’t then control how people react.
“He could have put that statement out this week. I just don’t think you can put something out and then kind of manage and expect how other people should react.”
Credit: Getty
Reddy, set, go!
Liverpool have now confirmed an offer has been accepted for Trent Alexander-Arnold from Real Madrid.
A Reds statement said: “The full-back is now set to join the La Liga club ahead of the expiry of his Reds contract this summer.
“Liverpool will receive a fee for his services, with the deal to be concluded once the window opens on June 1.
“Alexander-Arnold joined the club’s Academy at the age of six and progressed through the ranks to make his senior competitive debut in October 2016.
“He now departs Anfield after 354 appearances and 23 goals for the club, as well as lifting eight major honours alongside his teammates, which consist of two Premier League titles, the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup and two League Cups.
“Alexander-Arnold leaves Liverpool FC with the club appreciative and grateful for his contribution to those successes.”
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T-Rent is due…in full!
Liverpool are set to bank £10million for Trent Alexander-Arnold from Real Madrid, talkSPORT understands.
Alexander-Arnold announced earlier in the month that he will leave the Reds this summer upon the expiration of his contract.
Whilst nothing has yet been made official, the 26-year-old defender is widely expected to complete a move to Madrid.
The Spanish giants, who have made Xabi Alonso their new manager, looked set to welcome Alexander-Arnold as a free transfer.
However, they will in fact be making a one-time payment of €10m to Liverpool for the right-back.
Whilst this roughly equates to £8.4m, the fee is actually worth £10m for the Reds as they don’t need to pay him more wages after May.
Madrid made an approach to buy Alexander-Arnold in January for a fee worth between €20-25m, but this move was rejected.
A Madrid statement said: “Real Madrid CF and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement that will keep Trent Alexander-Arnold at our club for the next six seasons, from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2031.
“Alexander-Arnold will play with Real Madrid in the Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States starting June 14.”
Credit: AFP
Geordie Sure?
Alex Crook has provided extra insight on Liam Delap’s decision to settle on a move to Chelsea after holding talks with Newcastle.
Delap has given the green light to a switch to Stamford Bridge and Chelsea are confident he will sign.
The England Under-21 striker, who has a £30million release clause in his Ipswich contract, has also held talks with both Manchester United and Newcastle as well as Everton.
TalkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Crook said: “It’ll be interesting to see what Chelsea promised him.”
A sticking point over talks with Newcastle was a guarantee of a starting XI spot, with the Magpies already having Alexander Isak.
Crook also noted that there could be a potential club vs country row emerging this summer over Delap.
Chelsea would be keen for their new striker to go to the Club World Cup, the dates of which clash with his England U21 commitments.
ZubiDubiDo, where are you? Arteta’s got some work to do now
Arsenal are understood to have struck an agreement to sign Euro 2024 winner Martin Zubimendi back in January.
A £51million move will see Zubimendi leave Real Sociedad for the Emirates after making 47 appearances this season.
During their respective league appearances in 2024/25, Zubimendi has a lower pass success rate than Arsenal’s current midfield trio.
However, crucially, he sends a higher percentage of his passes forward than Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Declan Rice.
Zubimendi, 1,752 passes, 84.42% successful, 31.39% forward
Jorginho, 473 passes, 86.89% successful, 26.85% forward
Thomas Partey, 1,840 passes, 88.64% successful, 26.85% forward
Declan Rice, 1,476 passes, 89.84% successful, 24.66% forward
Fer real?
Bruno Fernandes is seriously contemplating quitting Manchester United for Saudi Arabia, talkSPORT understands.
Fernandes’s agent held talks with Al-Hilal on Thursday, and the United captain has been offered a contract worth £65m-a-year.
United boss Ruben Amorim has said publicly he wants to keep Fernandes.
However, the club have not ruled out cashing in with Hilal willing to pay a £100million transfer fee.
Credit: talkSPORT
Ten Hag set for Bayers remorse
Antony and Alejandro Garnacho are reported transfer targets for Erik ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
Leverkusen announced their appointment of the former Manchester United manager on Monday, as Xabi Alonso heads to Real Madrid.
Ten Hag, who was speculated to be returning to Ajax, has joined the Bundesliga outfit seven months after he left United.
The Dutchman has signed a three-year deal and will soon oversee his first transfer window ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
German outlet Kicker claim that Leverkusen’s decision-makers are discussing both Antony and Alejandro Garnacho.
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Great Scott
Ex-Napoli star Gianfranco Zola has questioned Manchester United’s decision to sell Serie A superstar Scott McTominay.
The midfielder won the Serie A MVP Award after inspiring his side to their fourth league triumph last Friday.
Asked about the title victory, former Napoli forward and Chelsea legend Zola told talkSPORT Breakfast: “That was fantastic.
“When Napoli win something in football, it’s like a national holiday.
“It’s been incredible. On top of that, I was so pleased that probably the main player is McTominay.
“Sometimes I cannot believe a player like McTominay is being released and allowed to go and play in a team like Napoli.
“Really, I don’t understand.”
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Chris cross
Christopher Nkunku will leave Chelsea this summer, talkSPORT understands.
Nkunku would welcome a move back to Germany to Bayern Munich and is also open to staying in the Premier League.
Tottenham Hotspur have also enquired ahead of a potential shock move to keep him in London.
Bayern made an initial approach for Nkunku in January and the Frenchman was understood to be keen on a move.
However, the German side was put off by Chelsea demanding north of £50million for the winger.
Nkunku is believed to be open to joining the Bundesliga champions but is equally receptive to remaining in the Premier League.
The 27-year-old finished the 24/25 campaign with 14 goals and five assists from 42 appearances across all competitions.
Credit: talkSPORT
Fer real?
Bruno Fernandes’ agent Miguel Pinho has flown to Saudi Arabia to hold a meeting with Al Hilal, talkSPORT understands.
Pinho is expected to provide the Saudi Pro League club with a final answer as to whether Fernandes will accept their proposal.
The Portuguese superstar has been offered an eye-watering deal worth £65million-a-year.
Should Fernandes agree to the deal, it would instantly see him earn the third-highest salary in world football behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
And if Al-Hilal get the green light from Fernandes, the club will be ready to table a £100m offer.
Credit: talkSPORT
Power Serge
Sergej Jakirovic is the number one candidate to take charge of Hull City, talkSPORT understands.
The Tigers are on the lookout for a new boss following the sacking of Ruben Selles at the end of the 2024/25 season.
And it is believed that Jakirovic is now the Yorkshire outfit’s top target to fill the gap.
Jakirovic is currently in charge of Turkish side Kayserispor having been appointed in January.
His team sit 14th in the Super Lig table with one match left having managed to win seven of his 14 matches in all competitions.
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Gunner get ya?
Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their interest in RB Leipzig striker Bejamin Sesko.
Sesko is high on Mikel Arteta’s radar following an impressive season which saw him score 21 goals in all competitions.
The Gunners were keen on the 21-year-old last summer, but the Slovenia international decided to remain in Germany for another year to continue his development.
And according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have now started concrete talks in their quest to sign him.
It is believed that Sesko will depart Leipzig this summer after the club failed to secure European football.
talkSPORT understands that Arsenal remain keen on landing Sporting Lisbon centre-forward Viktor Gyokeres.
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Winging it
Chelsea aren’t the only ones worried about finances surrounding Jadon Sancho.
The Blues loaned the England winger from Manchester United with an obligation to buy him for £25million at the end of the season.
Earlier reports claimed that Chelsea were becoming increasingly averse to keeping him around, but would have to pay £5m to send Sancho back to Manchester.
Now it seems more likely he will stay, but talkSPORT understands Sancho would have to take a pay cut to remain at Stamford Bridge.
Sancho joined the Red Devils in 2021 from Borussia Dortmund for £73million.
He reportedly signed a contract worth £300,000 per-week, which he’d have to now agree new terms on.
Ger off
Steven Gerrard won’t be returning to Rangers for a second stint.
talkSPORT understands that the Liverpool legend is out of the running as the Scottish side have prioritised other candidates.
Those are former Southampton manager Russell Martin and Carlo Ancelotti’s son and long time assistant Davide.
Gerrard coached Rangers from 2018 to 2021, winning the Scottish Premiership in ’21, the clubs only league title in 14 years.
Yet his management career since has undermined that achievement as he struggled at both Aston Villa and Al Ettifaq.
Gerrard left the Saudi Pro League side by mutual consent in January with 19 wins, 16 draws and 20 defeats in 55 games.
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It’s Son
talkSPORT understands that Heung-min Son remains a target for Saudi Pro League clubs this summer.
The Tottenham star got his hands on the Europa League trophy as Spurs captain last week, and it could prove to be the end of his time in north London.
Saudi clubs have been keen on Son since 2023, with the league keen on signing players from all over the world.
This is because there is a new TV deal that is likely to involve selling the rights abroad.
However, Son has a year left on his deal and currently wants to remain at Tottenham.
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Gone
Manchester City fans have been left baffled by the news Kevin De Bruyne’s mural has gone.
A special painting dedicated to the Belgian was unveiled a few weeks ago ahead of his exit.
De Bruyne said goodbye to the Etihad faithful last week against Bournemouth before playing his final game in the 2-0 win over Fulham.
It brought to an end ten glorious years for one of the greatest Premier League players.
But the mural dedicated to the playmaker is gone because it was only ever planned to be a temporary one.
Going the other way
As Chelsea close in on a deal for Liam Delap to join them from Ipswich for £30 million, the Tractor Boys are eyeing a Blues players.
Kieran McKenna is looking to prepare his side for life back in the Championship, and Ipswich are keen on Marc Guiu.
The club have been watching the young striker for a while and are seeking a loan deal.
It’s unclear whether the player himself would be open to the move, but any potential deal would be separate to Delap.
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Nearly there
talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs understands that Chelsea’s move for Liam Delap is progressing.
The striker has informed Manchester United, Newcastle United and Everton that he wants to join Chelsea.
The Blues are going to trigger the striker’s release clause of £30 million and are now locked in talks over personal terms.
This isn’t expected to be a problem, and Delap is keen to work with Enzo Maresca again and play
