LIONEL MESSI has held a press conference at the Nou Camp to explain his Barcelona exit – and has confirmed talks with PSG.
The French giants are closing in on the signature of the Argentine ace in a blockbuster free transfer this summer.
And Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed he will hold "socially distanced" talks with Harry Kane today.
Elsewhere, Romelu Lukaku is nearing a return to Chelsea with the Blues closing in on a £100m-plus agreement with Inter Milan.
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- Thomas Blow
LOVE OF THE GAME
Keith Stroud is clearly as delighted as anyone to see the new season – and bizarrely blew a KISS to the match ball ahead of his game on Sunday.
The referee took charge of Fulham's 1-1 draw at home to Middlesbrough.
As he led the teams out of the tunnel, he performed the hilarious gesture before picking the Championship ball off the plinth at Craven Cottage.
To top it off, Stroud did the classic collection – throwing it up and catching it with both hands.
Even his assistants looked a bit confused by the antics – and unsurprisingly, fans on Twitter were also baffled.
- Thomas Blow
ON GAARD
Arsenal remain hopeful of signing Martin Odegaard despite their interest in James Maddison, according to reports.
The Gunners initially signed the Norwegian talent on loan from Real Madrid in January.
He subsequently impressed boss Mikel Arteta, making 20 appearances and scoring key goals against Olympiacos and Tottenham.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are still ‘keeping an eye’ on Odegaard’s situation.
The journalist tweeted: “Arsenal are still keeping an eye on Martin Odegaard. He’s always been the main target as number 10 – if he decides to leave Real and Real decides to sell him, Arsenal will bid for Odegaard.
“Arsenal would be ready to try also for a permanent move… but it’s up to Real.”
- Thomas Blow
MANN UNITED
Manchester United are interested in Barcelona star Antoine Griezmann and will make a move for the striker soon, according to reports.
Barcelona announced Lionel Messi’s departure from the club last week but still need to sell players to balance the books.
The Catalan club must reduce their wage bill and as one of the highest earners they are prepared to let Griezmann leave.
The Frenchman is being chased by United, who, according to Todofichajes, plan to make a low offer given the knowledge of Barca’s need to sell.
Griezmann, 30, is reportedly paid a gross salary of £32million a year, and getting that off the wage bill would greatly benefit Barcelona.
The forward is believed to be keen on a departure and has asked his agent to try and force an exit from the Nou Camp.
And after fans booed Griezmann’s arrival at the training ground following Messi’s departure he may be even more determined to make a move elsewhere.
- Thomas Blow
COMEBACK TRAIL
Hartlepool's winning return to the Football League against Crawley on Saturday ended five years of hurt for David Ferguson.
The full-back was captain of the Blackpool team relegated from League One in 2016 but was released with the club in financial meltdown.
Yet despite making 32 appearances that season – on the back of ten outings the previous campaign in the Championship – Ferguson found himself turning out for Shildon in the NINTH tier.
He considered quitting but stuck at it, and after spells with Darlington, York and Hartlepool is now back in the Football League.
It is remarkable a 22-year-old deemed good enough to captain a League One side suddenly found himself slumming it in the lower reaches of non-league.
Click here to read Justin Allen's interview with David Ferguson
- Thomas Blow
NEV-ER IN DOUBT
Phil Neville went from anger to ecstasy in the blink of an eye.
The Inter Miami boss was spitting feathers at the officials in stoppage time after the referee inadvertently got in Gonzalo Higuain’s way as the ex-Real Madrid and Chelsea ace desperately searched for a winner.
But just moments later, it was the Argentine’s older brother Federico who delivered a brilliant centre for former Aston Villa midfielder Indiana Vassilev to head home his first Miami goal in stoppage time after impressing off the bench.
Click here to read Steve Brenner's match report
- Kealan Hughes
TRANSFER NEWS
Lionel Messi is close to joining PSG – but the race for Erling Haaland NEXT SUMMER could be even bigger.
One-club legend Messi, 34, bade a tearful goodbye to Barcelona after 20 years.
And reports from his native Argentina suggest he could complete a PSG medical by this morning.
Meanwhile, it appears Borussia Dortmund could hold onto goal machine Haaland for another season – as more clubs ponder a huge-money bid.
But Bayern Munich will join Manchester United, neighbours City and Chelsea, plus Real Madrid and Barcelona, in pursuing the Norwegian 21-year-old.
New Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo is due to hold crunch talks with want-away Harry Kane today.
The England captain finally returned to Spurs on Saturday after taking an extended holiday following last month’s European Championships.
Santo said of the Manchester City target: “It’s true that Harry is back with us and we expect to integrate him with the squad as soon as he is allowed."
Finally, Manchester United's Anthony Martial is the man Inter Milan want to replace Chelsea-bound Romelu Lukaku.
But United want £50million for their Frenchman, compared to the £97.5m that Chelsea will pay for fellow frontman Lukaku.
- Ian Tuckey
OX COULD BE A SAINT AGAIN
Southampton have launched an ambitious bid to re-sign Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 10 years after selling him as a teenager.
Saints are keen to hand England international Oxlade-Chamberlain, 27, the chance to relaunch his career by taking him back on loan.
The Portsmouth-born academy graduate joined Saints aged seven and scored nine goals in 36 league appearances before a £15million move to Arsenal in 2011.
The south coast side believe Liverpool are open to offers for Oxlade-Chamberlain after playing only 13 Premier League games last season.
Oxlade-Chamberlain's Liverpool team-mate Takumi Minamino spent the second half of last season on loan at St Mary's and Saints have made enquiries about his availability.
Ox joined the Reds in a £35m deal from Arsenal in 2017 but injuries have prevented him from ever fully establishing himself in Jurgen Klopp's first XI.
- Ian Tuckey
STERLING SET FOR CITY TALKS
Raheem Sterling is set to hold fresh contract talks with Manchester City.
The England ace, 26, has two years remaining on his £300,000-a-week deal but has been linked with moves to both Arsenal and Tottenham.
Sterling had a difficult end to last season and often found himself on the bench as the club won the Premier League and Carabao Cup.
The recent arrival of Jack Grealish, 25, for a British record £100million means competition for places is even greater.
But he shone at the Euros, scoring three times to help Gareth Southgate’s men go all the way to the final – and he remains part of Pep Guardiola’s plans.
Sterling has been on the radar of Arsenal and was believed to be among the established stars City were willing to send to Spurs in a players-plus-cash offer for Harry Kane.
The Three Lions winger handled his last round of contract negotiations himself after splitting from his agent earlier in the year.
But in the end, they failed to reach a conclusion.
- Ian Tuckey
MADDISON WORTH AS MUCH AS £100M GREALISH
Brendan Rodgers reckons he has his own £100million man in James Maddison.
The Leicester boss thinks Maddison could be every bit as valuable to them as British record signing Jack Grealish is to Manchester City.
And with Arsenal rumoured to be lining up a summer swoop, Rodgers has warned it will take a similar offer to prise Maddison away from the King Power Stadium.
After beating City in the Community Shield, Rodgers said: “I think they are both close. They are both very talented players.
“Stylistically, I think they’re the same. They are both creators.
“But I would say they are both totally different. One is a dribbler – one commits people down the sides.
“James is more central and he’s more of a passer. So yes, they are both creative players but stylistically they are both very different.
“Everyone could see today how hard James works for the team, his quality and how he takes the ball. His eye for the last pass.
“He is a wonderful talent and I thought he was excellent tactically because they really challenge you in that respect. I thought he was brilliant.”
- Ian Tuckey
LOKONGA ‘BETTER THAN POGBA’
Arsenal fans have heaped praise on new signing Albert Lokonga following his impressive showing against rivals Tottenham.
The 21-year-old was making only his second start for the Gunners following his £17million arrival from Anderlecht last month.
Lokonga made his debut on Wednesday during a friendly match with Watford at London Colney.
But his first real test came in the clash with Spurs and although Arsenal fell to a 1-0 defeat, the midfielder passed his test with flying colours.
And fans took to social media to hail Lokonga, with some Gooners even comparing him to Manchester United star Paul Pogba.
One tweeted: “Lokonga seems to be absolute quality, love how he plays small passes in the box but hard to read so they actually work out extremely well.”
Another said: “Lokonga could be the difference between us having a decent season or a disastrous one.”
A third added: “Don’t want to sound dramatic. But Lokonga is levels above Pogba.”
Lokonga is one of three players Arsenal have signed so far this summer alongside defenders Ben White and Nuno Tavares.
- Ian Tuckey
KLOPP: REDS MIGHT SPLASH OUT
Boss Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool's summer transfer spending might not be complete.
Left-back Andy Robertson picked up the Reds' defensive injury jinx.
But new boy Ibrahima Konate is settling in well during pre-season, while fellow centre-backs Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk are back following long-term injuries.
- Ian Tuckey
UTD WANT NEARLY £50M FOR MARTIAL
Anthony Martial is the man Inter Milan want to replace Chelsea-bound Romelu Lukaku.
And if Manchester United can recoup close to the £50million they forked out six years ago, the French striker will be off to the San Siro.
Lukaku is on the point of sealing a move back to his first Premier League two seasons after leaving Old Trafford for Italy.
The Belgian will get his wish of a return to Stamford Bridge once Chelsea get close to Inter’s near £100m asking price.
And when they do, they will immediately ramp up their efforts to land Martial, who they first tried to sign two years ago.
Ideally Inter hope to get him on a season-long loan – and although United prefer a permanent deal, they would agree as long as it included a commitment to buy in 12 months.
The two clubs have a good relationship, having previously done business for Ashley Young and Alexis Sanchez.
Martial, who earns around £200,000 a week, has three years left on his Old Trafford contract – plus a 12-month option – and is still only 25.
- Ian Tuckey
DROGBA HAILS LUKAKU RETURN
Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has welcomed former strike-partner Romelu Lukaku's imminent return to Stamford Bridge.
- Ian Tuckey
MESSI 'SET FOR PSG MEDICAL TONIGHT'
Lionel Messi is tipped to complete a PSG medical on Sunday night – just hours after his tearful Barcelona farewell.
The Barca legend, 34, admitted at his press conference he could join the French giants, having "received a lot of calls" after the Catalans announced his departure.
And reports in Messi's native Argentina, via French newspaper L'Equipe, predict he will see PSG medics in "the evening or Monday, very early in the morning".
Messi's 20 years at the Nou camp are ending as LaLiga insisted Barca must cut their wage bill more despite him agreeing to HALVE his current salary.
Spanish League chiefs say the Catalan giants cannot sign new players – or free agent Messi – unless more reductions are made.
And it is claimed PSG were quickly off the mark in pursuit of the six-time Ballon d'Or winner – contacting his representatives.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino is said to have then spoken to compatriot Messi himself.
And Barca's record scorer told the media on Sunday afternoon: “Paris Saint-Germain is a possibility, yes. At the moment nothing is confirmed. I received lot of calls after Barcelona statement. We’re talking about it.”
- Ian Tuckey
SAINTS EYE THIRD CHELSEA SIGNING
Southampton look set to sign their third Chelsea player of the summer as they close in on a loan deal for Armando Broja.
The Saints have already acquired ex-Blues youngsters Valentino Livramento and Dynel Simeu on permanent deals.
And they now have their sights set on Albanian international Broja as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
The 19-year-old forward has only made one senior appearance for the Blues, which came as an 86th minute substitute in a 4-0 win against Everton in March 2020.
He then went out on loan to Eredivisie side Vitesse last season where he was mightily impressive.
Broja scored 11 times in 34 games for the Dutch side before returning to Stamford Bridge.
- Ian Tuckey
KANE SET FOR SPURS TALKS MONDAY
Nuno Espirito Santo will hold crunch talks with want-away Harry Kane on Monday.
The England captain finally returned to Spurs on Saturday after taking an extended holiday following last month’s European Championships.
And new boss Nuno will finally get the chance to establish just how determined Kane is to quit the club and force a move to Champions Manchester City.
He said: “It’s true that Harry is back with us and we expect to integrate him with the squad as soon as he is allowed.
“I will speak with him as soon as possible because we have a training session on Monday and hopefully I will talk to Harry while maintaining social distancing.
“He has to quarantine but we have to be very strict and not take any chances because the one thing that everyone has learned is that the pandemic is still here so we have to be really careful.
“But Harry has already had his first day with the sports scientists and he is training.”
- Ian Tuckey
LIVERPOOL JINX HITS ROBERTSON
Liverpool's woeful luck with defensive injuries continued before the new season has even started as Andy Robertson went off injured during their friendly against Athletic Bilbao.
The 27-year-old Scot rolled his ankle when attempting to stop a cross and was left in a heap on the floor.
He was then substituted at half time for youngster Owen Beck as Jurgen Klopp took no chances with him as the new Premier League season fast approaches.
The Reds went on to draw the game 1-1 as Diogo Jota's 13th minute opener was cancelled out by Alejandro Berenguer Remiro's second half equaliser.
When asked about Robertson's injury, Klopp said: "We don’t know at the moment how serious it is.
"He got the ball, we saw it on the TV pictures, twisted his ankle. The pain has settled but we cannot say anything further.
"He will have further assessments tomorrow with a scan. Then we will know more."
- Ian Tuckey
CAMAVINGA TO PSG JUST GOT MESSI
Manchester United have received a transfer boost in their pursuit of Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, according to reports.
The 18-year-old has been linked with a move to Old Trafford, but his preferred location is thought to be Paris Saint-Germain.
However, joining the French club could be made very difficult if Lionel Messi arrives in Paris, as he is expected to in the coming days.
Asked about potentially signing for PSG, Messi said: “It is a possibility, but as of today there is nothing agreed with anyone.
“When the statement came out, I had many calls, various clubs were interested. But I have nothing closed yet. But we are talking.”
If a PSG-Messi agreement can be reached, Mauricio Pochettino is expected to have to ship up to TEN players out in order to make ends meet.
As a result, bringing in even more new faces is not likely to be on the Parisian club’s agenda.
This is bad news for Camavinga but could be a major coup for Man Utd as they chase the precocious playmaker.
- Ian Tuckey
TOON CLOSE ON £22M WILLOCK
Newcastle are closing in on a £22million deal for Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock.
The England Under-21 international midfielder was missing from the Gunners’ final pre-season game against Spurs on Sunday despite training with the squad on Saturday.
And manager Mikel Arteta refused to explain his absence, stating: “We will tell you the reasons why Joe wasn’t in the squad when we can. When we can say more, I will let you know.”
Willock, 21, had a successful five-month loan spell at Newcastle last season and manager Steve Bruce is desperate to secure a permanent transfer.
And he is cautiously confident of sealing a deal before Sunday’s Premier League opener against West Ham as Arsenal look to bring in some cash.
Arteta was just as coy on his continuing pursuit of a new goalkeeper and said: “Again, I don’t know what will happen.
“We are training with the players we have. We have come so far but there is a window that is still open.”
- Ian Tuckey
GUNNERS EYE SILVA
Arsenal are considering a move for wantaway Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva, according to reports.
The Gunners are searching for a creative midfielder and have been linked with a move for Leicester City’s James Maddison.
But the Foxes are pricing Arsenal out of a move, wanting £60million for English ace.
And according to the Mirror, Silva could be available after Jack Grealish’s £100m move to Man City.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta knows Silva well from his time at City as Pep Guardiola’s No2.
Silva is, however, believed to be keen on a move to Spain with both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are interested in signing him.
- Kostas Lianos
NUNO ON KANE
Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed that Harry Kane has joined up with the squad and will speak to him after his quarantine.
Nuno said: "Harry is with us. He has to quarantine. He is in the lodge but he is training. Already made the first day with the sports scientists. He is with us. Good.
"We expect to integrate Harry when he follows all the protocols that we have to apply.
"We have processes and we have to be very strict and not take any chances as one of the thing, as everyone has learned, is the pandemic is still here so we have to be really careful.
I will speak with Harry probably as soon as possible because he is already at the lodge.Not today, because today was the day of the match, but we have a training session tomorrow and with social distancing hopefully I will speak with Harry"
- Kostas Lianos
RICE TOUCH
West Ham star Declan Rice won’t leave the Hammers during the summer transfer window, despite recent links with Manchester United and Chelsea.
That’s according to the Daily Mail, who report that Rice doesn’t think another year at the London Stadium will be detrimental to his career ambitions.
But the midfielder could look to leave east London next summer.
The Red Devils and the Blues could be firmly in the mix for the 22-year-old’s signature next summer
GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
LAUTARO BLOW
Arsenal’s rivals Tottenham have reportedly agreed a deal for Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez.
Spurs manager Nuno Espirito Santo has already strengthened his squad this summer by acquiring the services of Bryan Gil, Pierluigi Gollini and Cristian Romero.
And Nuno is said to be on the verge of making Lautaro his fourth signing of the summer transfer window.
That’s according to The Times, who report that the north Londoners have agreed a staggering £60million deal for the forward.
Sky Sports have confirmed those reports and added that Tottenham have held talks with Inter
- Kostas Lianos
TOTTENHAM 1-0 ARSENAL
Arsenal lost 1-0 to rivals Tottenham during a friendly match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Spurs star striker Son Heung-min netted a crucial winner after 79 minutes.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side was missing Harry Kane after the England captain missed training twice.
Gunners signings Albert Sambi Lokonga and Ben White started in Mikel Arteta’s line-up whereas Nuno Tavares came off the bench
- Kostas Lianos
HAALAND RACE
Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland may be subject to an intense transfer war next summer.
That is because Bayern Munich have joined the race along with Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told Sport1: “This is a top player that probably the whole world wants.
“Of course we are looking there. Otherwise we would be complete amateurs”
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