Joshua Oha, Author at Matchplug Blog

Tottenham owner makes decision on Harry Kane’s future amid Daniel Levy stand-off

Tottenham Hotspur owner Joe Lewis has reportedly told the club’s chairman Daniel Levy to sell Harry Kane this summer.

Kane’s future remains up in the air this summer amid a contract standoff with Tottenham. The striker is keen on leaving, but Tottenham want to keep him beyond this summer.

Although Joe Lewis owns Tottenham, the British billionaire is not involved in the day-to-day running of the club. His company ENIC Group have employed Levy to manage Spurs, with the club chairman having the final say on transfers.

Levy has been unwilling to entertain any interest in the Kane despite concrete interest from Bayern Munich.

The Bundesliga giants are desperate to sign Kane and have made two huge bids for his services,. They are expected to submit a third bid this week.

However, Levy rejected both offers, despite the risk of losing Kane, who has just one year left on his contract for free next summer.

But now, according to 90min via Topsixfootball, Spurs’ owner Lewis has intervened and instructed Levy to sell Kane this summer rather than lose him for nothing in 12 months.

Per the report, Lewis has told his chairman that the club must sell Kane this summer if he does not agree to a contract extension.

Tottenham have offered Kane a new contract and promised to make him Premier League’s highest-paid player if he signs a new deal. But the Englishman is keen on moving to Bayern Munich, where he believes he can win trophies.

With Lewis intervening in the saga, it is expected that Levy will allow Kane to leave when Bayern submit their third bit, which is set to be beyond £70 million.

Chelsea submit £39m bid for Michael Olise

Chelsea have reportedly submitted a £39m bid to sign Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise.

The Blues want to sign the French star this summer and have made an initial proposal to wade off interest from Manchester City, who are also interested.

According to French sports publication RMC Sport, Chelsea tabled an initial offer for the 21-year-old who is interested in the project at Stamford Bridge under Mauricio Pochettino.

Pochettino is assembling a squad that can fight for the title this season after a poor end to last season that saw Chelsea finish in the bottom half.

The club have already signed Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson this summer, with a deal for Moises Caicedo expected.

However, Pochettino is a big admirer of Olise and has already spoken to him, with the younger winger having reportedly agreed to join Chelsea if a deal can be reached.

Per the report, although he has a £35m release clause in his contract, Chelsea have added an extra £4m to their bid to ensure they secure the deal for Olise.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are trying to convince him to stay. Pochettino’s side will likely need to trigger that buyout clause as Roy Hodgson’s side are reluctant to entertain negotiations to sell him.

Harvey Barnes joins Newcastle from Leicester in £39m deal

Newcastle have signed Harvey Barnes from Leicester City in a deal believed to be around £39 million.

The 25-year-old winger is Newcastle’s second big signing of the summer, following the acquisition of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan earlier this month.

He joins Newcastle as a replacement for Allan Sanit-Maximin, who is set for a £40m move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli.

“I’m delighted,” Barnes told the club after sealing his move to St. James’ Park.

“It’s an amazing club, and for me, it’s a massive opportunity to come and be involved in a successful team that’s doing exciting things, so I’m absolutely buzzing to be here.

“I think it’s an attacker’s dream to come into a team like this; it’s high-paced, it’s physically demanding, but you can see the rewards of that with the chances and the goals scored, so I think I’ll certainly suit the style.”

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe added: “Harvey is an exciting talent who I have admired for a long time, so I’m delighted to welcome him to Newcastle United.

“He is strong, quick and very good technically, and he showed last season in particular that he has an eye for goal from wide positions.

“He will add a different element to our play, and we look forward to working with him as we prepare for the season ahead.”

Barnes made 187 appearances for Leicester and won the FA Cup after coming through the club’s academy. The 25-year-old scored 13 goals for the Foxes last season–a career-best–despite Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League.

Ex-Wolves striker Raul Jimenez set for Fulham switch

Raul Jimenez is set to sign for Fulham for £5.5 million from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Mexican striker had been at Wolves since 2018 after joining from Benfica in a then club-record £30 million ($40m) deal. But he has been allowed to leave with just one year on his contract at the Molineux.

According to Sky Sports, the 32-year-old will move to Fulham, with the Cottagers agreeing to pay Wolves £5.5m for the Mexican.

Per the report, Jimenez will hold his medical on Monday ahead of a summer switch.

The Mexico international scored 44 goals in his first two seasons for Fulham before suffering a fractured skull away at Arsenal in November 2020. After almost one year on the sidelines following the broken skull injury, he successfully returned to action. But he scored just 15 times since then. He will leave the club with 57 goals in 166 appearances.

He is expected to be Fulham’s replacement for striker Aleksandr Mitrovic who is keen on moving to Saudi Arabia side Al Hilal. The Serbia striker has vowed never to play for the Cottagers again in an attempt to force his move to the Middle East.

Arthur Cabral Linked with a move to Tottenham

Tottenham are reportedly considering Fiorentina striker Arthur Cabral as a possible replacement for highly-sought Harry Kane.

Kane’s future at North London is under probability as he has refused to sign a contract extension at the club. His current deal expires next summer, and he is linked with a transfer to Bayern Munich this summer.

The Bavarians have submitted two huge bids for Kane, with the last bid reported to be £70m. However, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has refused to sell, stating that the Englishman is not for sale.

Although Kane remains open to all options, the 33-year-old is willing to accept a move away from Tottenham this summer if it benefits the club.

While Spurs manager Ange Posteclogue is keen on keeping Kane, the Australian is open to finding alternatives should the English international leave.

According to GOAL via Topsixfootball, Posteclogue is already exploring alternatives, with Fiorentina striker Cabral high on the list of targets.

The Brazilian attacker has been on Tottenham’s radar for quite some time and has impressed with his agility, speed and aerial prowess. Since his move to Florence from Basel, the 25-year-old has scored 19 goals in 64 appearances across all competitions for Fiorentina.

Manchester United winger SAYS NO to Everton

Manchester United’s winger Anthony Elanga has reportedly rejected the chance to join Everton this summer due to tactical reasons.

The Swedish international is reportedly exploring a move away from Old Trafford this summer after increased competition for a place in the United team.

Manchester United have several players in attack, with the likes of Jadon Sancho, Anthony, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho all competing for wide attacking berths in Erik Ten Hag’s plans. As it stands, Elanga is behind all of the players mentioned above in the pecking order.

The 21-year-old played only 418 minutes of Premier League action last season. And with chances set to be in short supply this coming season. Elanga is open to moving elsewhere this summer.

However, according to Sportsmail via Topsixfootball, the 21-year-old is uninterested in a move to Everton. Per the report, the Toffees have indicated an interest in him signing Elanga, but the Swede does not move to Goodison Park because he is concerned about how he would fit into Sean Dyche’s system.

It remains to be seen if another club will attempt to sign Elanga now that he has rejected Everton. Borussia Dortmund wanted him in January. But it appears that the Bundesliga side have cooled their interest.

Despite the uncertainty around his future, Elanga remains focused on United. He is part of the Red Devils’ pre-season plans in the United States.

Liverpool agree £12m fee in principle for Jordan Henderson to join Al-Ettifaq

Liverpool have reportedly reached an agreement with Al-Ettifaq for the signature of Jordan Henderson.

The Liverpool captain was left out of his side’s 4-2 win in Karlsruhe last night after Al-Ettifaq came back to the table with a £12m offer the Anfield club were happy to accept.

Henderson had held discussions with manager Jurgen Klopp earlier in the afternoon, and the decision was mutually agreed that he will be leaving Angie’s this summer.

Although Klopp wanted to keep him, the German did not want to stand in the way of the 33-year-old’d decision to move to the Middle East, where he has been offered double his current salary.

Al-Ettifaq, who do not have financial backing from the Public Investment Fund, were initially reluctant to pay a transfer fee for Henderson. But after things stalled over the weekend, they returned with a structure and timing of payments that met with Liverpool’s approval.

Meanwhile, Klopp has admitted he does not want to speak about Henderson’s transfer until the time is ripe.

“As long as things are not really finally decided, we don’t have to talk about it,” Klopp said.

“There will be a moment where we probably have to talk about it, but it’s not now.

“I don’t know that anything is decided, which means nothing to say at the moment. In the end, all of these decisions are made by me. And because I respect the players a lot, it’s usually [with their] consent. It was in this case, and it is all fine.”

With Henderson set to leave, Liverpool will fast-track their move for new midfield additions, with Romeo Lavia and Cheick Doucoure, two Premier League names linked with a move to Anfield this summer.

Manchester City will consider a move for Barcelona’s Raphinha as Riyad Mahrez’s replacement

Manchester City will reportedly try to sign Raphinha from Barcelona if they sell Riyad Mahrez to Al-Ahli.

The Algerian winger is set to leave for the Middle East this summer after City accepted Al-Ahli’s offer. Although the Premier League giants weren’t keen on selling him, the player wanted to leave after five years at the Etihad.

As such, Pep Guardiola’s side are resigned to losing him and have already started preparing for life without him.

According to Sportsmail, Raphinha’s profile appeals to Guardiola, and the Catalan will try to bring him to the Etihad this summer.

Deco, the former agent of Raphinha, is the current director of football at Barcelona and could be involved in negotiations for his former client to return to England.

Although the former Leeds United winger only joined Barcelona last summer, he could be sold this summer.

Barcelona must raise funds by the end of August to register their new signings. Selling Raphinha would be good for their finances if they can find a suitor for the Brazilian.

Liverpool CONSIDERING a move for Crystal Palace star Cheick Doucoure

Liverpool are reportedly considering signing Crystal Palace midfielder Check Doucoure this summer.

Although they have already welcomed the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, a specialist defensive midfielder is still a priority for Jürgen Klopp.

The Reds are looking for a defensive midfielder this summer to replace the outgoing Fabinho, who is on his way to Saudi Arabia.

Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, Nice’s Khepran Thuram and Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat are other names on their list to replace Fabinho.

However, this list has a new name, with The Athletic claiming that Liverpool is considering the Crystal Palace man.

However, the news outlet claim that the Eagles will hold out for a ‘significant sum’ for the Malian international – who only joined the club last summer.

Doucoure joined Palace for £22m from Lens last season, making 35 appearances. He enjoyed a stellar debut campaign in the Premier League and won the Crystal Palace Player of the Year award.

Pierre Emerick-Aubemayang to LEAVE Chelsea for FREE with Marseille move imminent

Pierre Emerick-Aubemayang has reportedly agreed to join French Ligue 1 side Olympique Marseille on a free transfer.

The Gabon international is one of the players Chelsea put up for a summer exit but was finding it difficult getting a deal in Europe’s top five leagues.

However, according to the latest reports by football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 32-year-old has secured a deal to join Marseille this summer.

According to Romano, Aubameyang will sign a three-year deal with Marseille after a medical on Thursday.

“Pierre Aubameyang has agreed to join Olympique Marseille, here we go!” he tweeted.

“Auba will sign a three-year deal, as called two days ago — until June 2026.

“Chelsea will let him leave for free. Told Auba will arrive tonight @ OM camp and then undergo medical tests on Thursday.”

Pierre Aubameyang has agreed to join Olympique Marseille, here we go! 🚨🔵

Auba will sign three year deal, as called two days ago — until June 2026.

Chelsea will let him leave for free, told Auba will arrive tonight @ OM camp then undergo medical tests on Thursday.

Done ✔️ pic.twitter.com/XRD0eFvvSp
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 19, 2023

Signing a three-year deal with Marseille will allow the Gabon international to return to Ligue 1 for the first time since he left St Etienne for Borussia Dortmund in 2018.

Joshua Oha

Tottenham owner makes decision on Harry Kane’s future amid Daniel Levy stand-off

Chelsea submit £39m bid for Michael Olise

Harvey Barnes joins Newcastle from Leicester in £39m deal

Ex-Wolves striker Raul Jimenez set for Fulham switch

Arthur Cabral Linked with a move to Tottenham

Manchester United winger SAYS NO to Everton

Liverpool agree £12m fee in principle for Jordan Henderson to join Al-Ettifaq

Manchester City will consider a move for Barcelona’s Raphinha as Riyad Mahrez’s replacement

Liverpool CONSIDERING a move for Crystal Palace star Cheick Doucoure

Pierre Emerick-Aubemayang to LEAVE Chelsea for FREE with Marseille move imminent

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