Tottenham standing firm on Harry Kane amid interest from Bayern Munich
Tottenham have no intention of selling Harry Kane this summer, the PA news agency understands. The club’s record goal-scorer is approaching the final 12 months of his contract and reports on Tuesday indicated Bayern Munich had bid 70million euros plus add-ons for the England captain. PA understands Spurs have not received an official offer from the Bundesliga champions and any bid would be immediately rejected. Tottenham’s stance on Kane remains consistent with the last few transfer windows despite continued interest in the 29-year-old, who was heavily linked with a move to Manchester City in 2021. Kane subsequently stayed with his boyhood team and broke the club’s all-time scoring record in February with the winner against Pep Guardiola’s side. It saw Kane move beyond Jimmy Greaves’ tally of 266 goals for Spurs, which had stood since 1970. The next target in Kane’s sights is Alan Shearer’s record Premier League haul of 260 goals. After a fine individual campaign in which Kane scored 30 goals, despite the north London club finishing eighth and having three head coaches, the forward is now only 48 away from passing Shearer’s tally. Discussions between Spurs and Kane’s camp over a new contract were set to be pushed back until the end of the 2022-23 campaign, but the club are yet to appoint a director of football and Kane’s own season only finished on June 19 following England commitments. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-06-27 21:23
Wilfried Zaha and Stormzy to take over non-League AFC Croydon
Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha and rapper Stormzy are set to become joint owners of non-League club AFC Croydon. The pair are part of a three-man consortium, along with former Palace head of player care Danny Young, that has agreed a deal to acquire the assets of the south London side, who play in the Combined Counties Football League Premier South Division – the ninth tier of English football. Croydon announced contracts had been exchanged with the existing ownership and the consortium “will own, operate and develop their childhood hometown football club”. A statement added: “Whilst completion is subject to legislative and governance procedures, the three consortium members are excited about developing a community asset in the borough that gave them their own opportunities. “They hope to take the entire community on this exciting journey with them.” Zaha, 30, was born in Ivory Coast but raised in the borough of Croydon. He is already involved in community projects in the area through his own charitable foundation and an Academy. Zaha tweeted: “May the journey begin.” The latest announcement comes at a time of uncertainty of over Zaha’s playing future, with his Palace contract set to expire at the end of this month. The player has been offered a new deal at Selhurst Park but is yet to commit and has been linked with other clubs in the Premier League, elsewhere in Europe and Saudi Arabia. Stormzy, 29, also hails from Croydon and has a long-standing friendship with Zaha.
2023-06-27 19:27
Gary Neville to be guest on Dragons’ Den panel
Gary Neville will join the cast of the BBC programme Dragons’ Den when the series returns to screens next year. The former Manchester United and England defender will appear as a guest on the panel alongside fashion and retail entrepreneur Emma Grede. In addition to his regular role as a Sky Sports pundit, Neville has built a portfolio of business interests including a hotel and other property developments since his retirement from football. Neville said: “I am excited to join the Dragons, and to meet the entrepreneurs brave enough to face us in the Den. “I hope my personal journey shows that you can take the experiences you’ve had in one part of your career and use them to do something entirely different and make it a success.” Neville and Grede will sit alongside the regular panel of Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies and Steven Bartlett, running the rule over entrepreneurs seeking investment in their business ideas.
2023-06-27 16:15
On this day in 2015: England reach Women’s World Cup semi-finals for first time
England reached a Women’s World Cup semi-final for the first time on this day in 2015 after holding on to beat tournament hosts Canada 2-1 in Vancouver. Early goals from Jodie Taylor and Lucy Bronze set the Lionesses up for a historic win, but they were forced to dig deep after Christine Sinclair pulled one back for Canada just before half-time. It was the first time a senior England side – men or women – had reached the World Cup’s last four since 1990. The Lionesses had won a World Cup knockout game for the first time by defeating Norway 2-1 in the last-16 and followed it up against the Canadians in front of a crowd of 54,027 at BC Place. Taylor gave England an 11th-minute lead when she pounced on Canada skipper Lauren Sesselmann’s slip and raced on to drill a low angled finish into the bottom corner. The Lionesses extended their lead three minutes later. Fara Williams’ diagonal free-kick into the penalty area picked out Bronze and the full-back’s header bounced down over the line after hitting the crossbar. Canada lifted the home support by reducing the deficit three minutes before the interval when England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley failed to hold on to Ashley Lawrence’s cross and Sinclair turned home the rebound. Taylor was denied a second goal after the restart as her goal-bound curling effort forced a brilliant save from Canada goalkeeper Erin McLeod. England’s World Cup dream was halted in agonising fashion in their semi-final, as defender Laura Bassett’s stoppage-time own goal clinched a 2-1 win for Japan, who went on to lose 5-2 to the United States in the final. The Lionesses secured a third-place finish after beating fellow semi-final losers Germany 1-0 after extra-time thanks to Williams’ 108th-minute penalty. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-06-27 13:27
Nick Saban plans to terrorize the rest of the SEC for much longer
Nick Saban plans to coach at Alabama and terrorize SEC fanbases until his time is up.Nick Saban is not done coaching yet, so quit askin'!Although he is on the wrong side of 70, Saban ain't done winnin' yet. In fact, he's just getting started! While many of the sport'...
2023-06-26 22:26
Craig Brown: Former Scotland manager dies aged 82
Craig Brown, the former Scotland manager who led the country to their last men’s World Cup in 1998, has died at the age of 82. Brown died peacefully on Monday following a short illness, a statement from his family said. Brown also took charge of Scotland at Euro 96 and managed at Aberdeen, Preston North End and Motherwell before retiring in 2013. A statement from Aberdeen read: "Everyone at Aberdeen FC is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved former manager, director and club ambassador, Craig Brown. "A dear friend to us all, Craig will be sorely missed and our love and condolences are with his family at this terribly sad time." More follows
2023-06-26 20:53
Celtic’s move for Yang Hyun-jun in balance but club still keen on Asia market
Celtic are continuing to pursue targets in Asia following the departure of Ange Postecoglou but a move for South Korean midfielder Yang Hyun-jun appears to be in the balance. Yang has been quoted in the South Korean media as saying that he wants to sign for Celtic this summer but his club, Gangwon, would rather wait until the end of their season, which finishes in October. Gangwon sit 11th in the 12-team K-League 1 and would face a relegation play-off if they remain there. The player’s representatives earlier claimed Yang had been promised he would get the chance to move if a European club came in for him and was frustrated at the club’s stance. Celtic have achieved success over the past two seasons by recruiting in Asia, with Kyogo Furuhashi named PFA Scotland and Scottish Football Writers’ player of the year last term. The striker was joined by several Japanese colleagues including Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Tomoki Iwata after Postecoglou arrived from Yokahama F Marinos two years ago. Celtic also signed South Korea striker Oh Hyeon-gyu in January. New manager Brendan Rodgers is keen to continue the successful recruitment tactic along with the club’s head of scouting and recruitment, Mark Lawwell. Quoted in several newspapers, Rodgers said: “Over the course of our discussions I’ve seen the market we’re in and how well the recruitment has gone. “Mark Lawwell has this pipeline of players that are available and I think what he’s done since he’s come in has been really impressive – and the markets he’s been able to tap into. That will continue. That’s where the club is at. “In terms of recruitment I am the one that knows how I want the team to play and I have to be involved in those discussions. And I will be. Some of those markets haven’t been as readily available to some clubs, that’s something Mark has brought with him in his roles. “I’m thinking of the Japanese market, the Korean market, Australia and out into Asia. These were players that were untapped and you’re now seeing other clubs trying to tap into that.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-06-26 19:56
‘Inspirational’ Ilkay Gundogan leaves Manchester City for Barcelona
Manchester City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain paid tribute to the “inspirational” Ilkay Gundogan after the midfielder’s long-expected free transfer to Barcelona was confirmed. The treble-winning captain turned down the chance to stay at City and is set to sign with Barca, who have set his buyout clause at 400million euros (£342m), until 2025 following the expiration of his existing contract. Gundogan, who was manager Pep Guardiola’s first signing in July 2016, signed off in style by lifting the Champions League earlier this month after victory over Inter Milan in his 304th and final appearance. “Ilkay has been a wonderful servant for Manchester City, and he leaves our club on a very special high having captained us to a historic treble,” said Begiristain. “He has played a huge part in the successes we have enjoyed in recent seasons and Ilkay’s intelligence, leadership and commitment to the club – both on and off the field – has been an inspiration to everyone. “Ilkay has truly cemented his place in the history of Manchester City and we all wish him well in the next chapter of his career.” During his seven years at City Gundogan won the Premier League five times, in addition to two FA Cups – this season scoring the quickest goal in final history at 12 seconds – four League Cups and the Champions League. “I have been lucky to have experienced so many unforgettable moments in my time here and to have been captain for this extra-special season has been the greatest experience of my career,” said the former Germany international. “First, I would like to thank Pep. To have been able to play under and learn from him for so long has been something I will never forget. “I would also like to thank all my team-mates – past and present – who have all played such a special part in making my time here so amazing. “Finally, I would like to thank the incredible City fans. They have supported me from the moment I arrived, and I owe them all so much for their support. “This club made me realise all my dreams and I will forever be thankful for this opportunity.”
2023-06-26 16:59
Ilkay Gundogan shares ‘emotional’ Man City goodbye as Barcelona move confirmed
Ilkay Gundogan has reflected on his “bittersweet” exit from Manchester City after the club’s treble-winning captain confirmed his move to Barcelona at the end of his contract. Gundogan departs City after seven years at the club having played a major part in the most successful season of in the club’s history. The Germany international lifted the club’s first Champions League title following a 1-0 win against Inter in his final game with the club, after scoring key goals in City’s Premier League and FA Cup victories - including a double in the 2-1 win against Manchester United at Wembley. The 32-year-old won five Premier League titles with City after arriving from Borussia Dortmund as City manager Pep Guardiola’s first signing. Gundogan has signed a two-year contract with Barcelona, the Spanish champions, with the option of a further year at the Nou Camp. “Today is bittersweet,” Gundogan said in a piece published on the Players’ Tribune. “Goodbyes are never easy, but it’s even harder with this team. “When I had to break the news to the boys that I was leaving in our group chat, I was very emotional. “I will miss all of them, honestly. But I am happy to say that I’m leaving here as a champion, and I have nothing but love for the club in my heart. How many footballers can say goodbye as the captain of a treble team? “It’s amazing what we achieved. Five Premier League titles in my seven years here. Two FA Cups. The Champions League. The treble. “But those are just trophies. The thing that I will remember the most is the feeling inside the squad, especially this season. I’ve never experienced something like it in football.” Manchester City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain said Gundogan had “cemented his place in the history” of the club as he paid tribute to the midfielder. “Ilkay has been a wonderful servant for Manchester City, and he leaves our club on a very special high having captained us to a historic Treble,” Begiristain told Man City’s website. “He has played a huge part in the successes we have enjoyed in recent seasons and Ilkay’s intelligence, leadership and commitment to the Club - both on and off the field - has been an inspiration to everyone.” Read More Ilkay Gundogan, the man who transformed Man City and timed a perfect goodbye Ilkay Gundogan, the man who transformed Man City and timed a perfect goodbye Barcelona set to sign Man City captain on free transfer Rain and threat of lightning fail to dampen Manchester City’s trophy parade
2023-06-26 16:48
Ranking every Georgia football national championship season
To date, the Georgia football program has won four national titles, so let's rank them now!Over the last two seasons, Kirby Smart has transformed the Georgia football program from notorious underachievers into being the undisputed national power reigning over the sport.I mean, it's...
2023-06-26 04:59
Emile Smith Rowe scores as England book quarter-final spot at U21 Euros after beating Israel
England Under-21s reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2023 as Group C winners following a comfortable 2-0 victory against Israel. Anthony Gordon’s header put them in front in the 15th minute before Emile Smith Rowe doubled the lead in the second half. Lee Carsley’s side, guaranteed top spot after beating the Czech Republic in their opening match, will meet Germany in the final group game on Wednesday. After starting brightly, England nearly took the lead after some quick passing around the box was finished by Smith Rowe, but his backheeled effort was ruled out for offside. They continued to attack with Gordon firing a promising ball into the box and Curtis Jones’ shot was well defended by Gil Cohen. The dominant start was rewarded with quarter of an hour gone when a brilliant cross from Morgan Gibbs-White on the left found Gordon in the centre of the box and the Newcastle forward nodded the ball into the bottom corner. England were in charge but Israel sparked into life in the final 10 minutes of the first half. Dor Turgeman had the first opportunity with his header going wide of the post and Ethane Azoulay had a better chance in stoppage time when his direct free-kick from the edge of the area was saved by James Trafford. England had an opportunity to double their lead three minutes after the break when Gibbs-White threaded a great ball through to Noni Madueke, but his effort flew wide. Daniel Peretz made a great punch to clear the danger from Gibbs-White’s curling free-kick before a solid spell of pressure from Israel saw Karm Jaber’s effort go wide. England eventually earned their second through Smith Rowe in the 68th minute with an excellent finish from the Arsenal forward drilled low into the left corner. They continued to push and substitute Cameron Archer nearly made it three, but Peretz made a solid save from a tight angle. A great run from Harvey Elliott down the centre found Cole Palmer on the right, but his shot was easily blocked and cleared by the Israel defence before Yoav Hofmeister made a solid challenge to stop Jacob Ramsey’s attempted shot in the final minutes. PA Read More Lee Carsley praises England Under-21s’ ‘brilliant spirit’ after winning opener England Under-21s beat Czech Republic to get Euros campaign off to winning start Tommy Doyle inspired by Man City treble ahead of England Under-21s’ Euros bid Jacob Ramsey says current England Under-21s squad have ‘different mentality’ Koulibaly exits Chelsea to become latest star joining Saudi Pro League Arteta hypes up Arsenal progress despite pain of losing title race
2023-06-26 02:57
Kalidou Koulibaly leaves Chelsea for Saudi Arabia as defender joins Al-Hilal
Kalidou Koulibaly has left Chelsea after only one season to join Saudi Professional League side Al-Hilal. Senegal captain Koulibaly moved to England last summer from Napoli on a four-year deal in a transfer reported to be worth £34million. The centre-back went on to make 32 appearances for Chelsea during a difficult season, but has now departed Stamford Bridge A club statement read: “We would like to thank Kalidou for his contributions on and off the pitch during his time at Stamford Bridge and wish him well for the next stage of his career.” Koulibaly is not the first Chelsea player to make the move to Saudi Arabia. N’Golo Kante agreed to join Al-Ittihad on a free transfer following the expiration of his deal with the Blues. A number of high-profile names have moved to the Saudi Professional League during the past six months. Karim Benzema has already agreed to join Al-Ittihad after 14 seasons at Real Madrid, following Cristiano Ronaldo who moved to Al Nassr from Manchester United in December. Wolves captain Ruben Neves has also agreed a £47m move to Al-Hilal. After Koulibaly and Kante, Chelsea outcasts Edouard Mendy, Romelu Lukaku and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have also been linked with moves to the Gulf state.
2023-06-26 02:28