Chelsea confident of beating Man United and PSG to Victor Osimhen’s signing despite the absence of Champions League football

Chelsea reportedly believes they can win the race for in-demand Napoli striker Victor Osimhen even without the allure of Champions League football next season. The Blues have made the Nigerian marksman their top striker target for 2023 after months of scouting, and club officials are preparing what will likely be a club-record bid to take the 24-year-old to Stamford Bridge. Osimhen is one of Europe’s most talked about strikers this season, with his 21 goals in 23 games for Serie A leaders Napoli propelling them to their first Scudetto title in over 30 years. The 24-year-old is also on the radars of Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United, who are all understood to have made contact with the striker’s representatives. But according to a report by 90min, Chelsea believes they can outbid their rivals and convince Osimhen to move to London even without the promise of Champions League football next season. The Blues are currently sitting outside the top half of the Premier League and are almost certain to be knocked out of the UCL after a 2-0 loss to Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final tie. Read more: Alexis Alexis Mac Allister’s father put clubs on alert after statement on sons’ Brighton future They believe that moving to London will interest Osimhen as it will allow him to follow in the footsteps of his childhood idol, Ivorian striker Didier Drogba, fondly remembered as one of Chelsea’s all-time greatest players. The only hindrance to a possible deal for Osimhen will be money, as Chelsea are on the brink of breaking Financial Fair Play (FFP) rule unless they can move on some players. However, the Stamford Bridge side are ready to do just that, with the likes of Conor Gallagher, Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech all set to be sold to fund the move this summer. 

Read More »

Bayern prepare bid for Harry Kane with Bundesliga giants ready to pounce on Tottenham uncertainty

Bayern Munich are reportedly looking to test Tottenham Hotspur’s resolve with a big-money offer for star striker Harry Kane. The Bavarians are looking to sign a top-quality striker this summer after failing to replace Robert Lewandowski last season. The Pole was Bayern’s leading marksman for several seasons but joined Barcelona with one year left on his contract last summer.  His replacement Sadio Mane has not lived up to the billing at Allianz Arena, with fitness issues and poor form denying him the impact that the club would have wanted. Read more: James Rodriguez Olympiacos contract TERMINATED after just eight months Bayern Munich want to avoid another situation where they enter the new season without an out-and-out number nine and have ramped up their interest in Harry Kane. They are preparing to send an offer for the Tottenham striker, who has been on the radar of the German giants for a long time.  Bayern feel that Kane’s frustration with Spurs’ trophy drought will help them could secure their target. The Three Lions captain has just one year left on his contract at Tottenham Hotspur, and Bayern Munich will look to persuade him to Germany by offering him a lucrative deal.  The 29-year-old had also received interest from Manchester City in the past, while Manchester United are also rumoured to be interested. However, it’s doubtful that Daniel Levy would sanction a deal to sell him to an English counterpart.

Read More »
Rayo vs Osasuna

Rayo Vallecano vs Osasuna: Preview and Expert Football Prediction

Osasuna will travel to Campo de Futbol de Vallecas this Friday to face Madrid-based Rayo Vallecano in the 29th Round of the 22022/23 La Liga season.  The hosts are looking to get back their quest for a top six finish after a poor run of form that has left them eight points behind Real Betis. After eyeing European qualification earlier this term, Vallecano have lost their way and are now eight La Liga games without a win (D5, L3) following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Atlético Madrid.  However, they remain ten points clear of the relegation zone in a relatively comfortable mid-table position. Moreover, that derby defeat was also their first loss in five home matches (W1, D3). So staying calm could serve them well although they can’t relax too much having only won one of the last four H2Hs here (D1, L2) including a 3-0 defeat last season.  Read more: Spezia vs Lazio: Preview and Expert Football Prediction The hosts have won only once this term against sides currently above them in the standings (D1, L3) so Osasuna will fancy their chances here.  The visitors’ 2-1 win over Elche last time out means they sit in eighth position, one point ahead of their hosts. However, to continue an upward push to the top six, they must build on their current record of one La Liga away win in eight attempts (D5, L2) with them failing to score in three of the last four of those fixtures. Meanwhile, Osasuna haven’t netted before half-time in any of their last seven fixtures (W2, D3, L2). So we can expect a cagey affair in this game, with under 2.5 goals expected here.  Click here to get accurate football predictions. 

Read More »

Spezia vs Lazio: Preview and Expert Football Prediction

Lazio will look to keep their push for a top four finish alive when they travel to Stadio Alberto Picco this Friday to take on Spezia. The hosts  played the role of party poopers last weekend when they stopped Fiorentina from breaking a club record for consecutive wins within a single season in a 1-1 draw. More importantly for them, that result helped keep the gap to the relegation zone at four points which could prove crucial as the home side bid to secure a fourth consecutive season in Serie A. However, on paper, Spezia’s form continues to look like a concern after recording just one win from their last eleven league outings. But they will be happy with how much things have improved under new manager Leonardo Semplici as they have only suffered one league defeat (W1, D4) since the Italian arrived at the club.  Read more: Juventus vs Sporting Lisbon: Preview and Expert Football Prediction That run will be tested here against a Lazio team who are not only flying high but also boast a dominant record of winning each of the last five head-to-head meetings. The visitors are in hot form having won each of their last three league games. They have scored a remarkable 14 goals across the last three head-to-head meetings and will fancy their chances of another great result here.  However, for all their attacking prowess, it’s been Lazio’s defence that has been getting the bulk of plaudits recently, as they have conceded in seven Serie A matches (W6, D1). But despite their scintillating form, they still finished the last gameweek a hefty 16 points behind league-leaders Napoli. Even the most optimistic Eagles fan would accept the league title is beyond them, yet motivation to keep pushing on will surely remain as they look to finish above rivals Roma – currently in third – and secure their first top-two finish since winning the title back in 2000. Meanwhile, Lazio have scored a league-high ten goals between 0-15 minutes, while being the only Serie A side yet to concede in this period, too. So we can expect a Goal First Half in this game. Click here to get accurate bet tips today. 

Read More »
James Rodriguez

James Rodriguez Olympiacos contract TERMINATED after just eight months

Former Real Madrid and Monaco attacker James Rodriguez is in transfer limbo once again after his contract with Olympiacos was terminated after eight months of joining the club. The 2014 World Cup star joined the Greek club at the start of the 2022-23 season and made 23 appearances. During his eight-month stay at the club, the 31-year-old scored five goals and provided six assists before his contract was terminated. With his contract terminated, Rodriguez became a free agent and could sign for any club this summer. However, the midfielder has not played since February due to an injury. Read more: Alexis Alexis Mac Allister’s father put clubs on alert after statement on sons’ Brighton future But according to Spanish publication AS, he could be soon seen in action, with Turkish giants Galatasaray and Besiktas already in touch with him over a possible transfer. The club announced the termination with a tweet: “Olympiacos FC and James Rodriguez have decided to terminate their cooperation. James will always be part of our club and a member of the “red-and-white” family. We want to thank him for his service, and we wish him every success in the future.” Since leaving Real Madrid, Rodriguez has seen his career nosedive badly, with spells in Everton, Al-Rayyan and Olympiacos following since. However, the Colombian would hope he soon signs a deal with either which would allow him to return to the pitch.

Read More »

Alexis Alexis Mac Allister’s father put clubs on alert after statement on sons’ Brighton future

The father of Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has revealed that he expects his son to leave the Seagulls this summer. Mac Allister saw his profile rise considerably after playing a crucial role in Argentina’s run to World Cup glory in Qatar last November. His performance at the tournament alerted several Premier League giants, who have since voiced an interest in signing the 24-year-old. According to reports, Manchester City, Tottenham, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Chelsea are all closely monitoring Mac Allister, who signed a new three-year contract in October. Juventus are also among the sides from Europe keen on the Brighton man. Read more: Liverpool pull out of Jude Bellingham’s race And now the player’s father, Carlos, who is heavily involved in managing Mac Allister’s career, has confessed he expects the midfielder to be in a new club ahead of the coming season. “Normally, the next l transfer window will find him playing for another club,” Carlos said via 90min. “We don’t know which one. The talks are just beginning in general, but it is most likely that Alexis will be playing for another team in July.” Brighton are unhappy with Mac Allister and his entourage for the way they have handled the issue of his availability in the summer and have warned that they will not be pressured to sell.  The Seagulls have proven that they can stand their ground when big clubs come for their star players, with Arsenal’s unsuccessful pursuit of Moises Caicedo a perfect example of their stubbornness. 

Read More »
Juventus vs Sporting CP

Juventus vs Sporting Lisbon: Preview and Expert Football Prediction

Juventus will resume their Europa League campaign this Thursday when they host Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon. The Old Lady dropped from the Champions League after finishing third in their group behind Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain but have enjoyed a remarkable run in this competition. They beat Nantes 4-1 on aggregate in the playoffs before a 3-0 win over Freiburg in the last round sealed their progression to this quarterfinals round. So they will fancy themselves one of the favourites to win this famous trophy. However, a 2-1 loss to Lazio at the weekend didn’t do their preparations for this game any good. But ahead of this game, the Old Lady will be buoyed that they have never lost a home match in the UEL (W6, D7).  They will undoubtedly be confident of extending that run here and should also have their confidence boosted by the fact they have won their last three European outings without conceding a goal. Read more: Manchester United vs Sevilla: Preview and Expert Football Prediction Like their hosts, Sporting Lisbon were also demoted to the Europa League after finishing third in the Champions League group. But since coming here, they have defeated Midtjylland and Arsenal (on penalties) to qualify for this round. So they will consider themselves one of the stronger teams here, given their record so far. A run of just one loss from their last 14 games in all competitions (W19, D4) will also convince them that they can beat anyone here. Also, the hosts have never lost a home match in the UEL (W6, D7), so they’ll undoubtedly be confident of extending that run here. They should also be buoyed by the fact they’ve won their last three European outings without conceding a goal. Meanwhile, click here to get accurate bet tips today.

Read More »

Manchester United vs Sevilla: Preview and Expert Football Prediction

Europa League returns this Thursday as Manchester United host the competition’s record-holders Sevilla at Old Trafford in the first leg of their quarter-finals tie. Erik ten Hag’s side qualified for this round of the competition courtesy of a 5-1 aggregate win over Spanish La Liga side Real Betis.  They secured a 4-1 win at Old Trafford before recording a narrow 1-0 win in Spain in the second leg. So they will be happy to have the first-leg home advantage again in this stage. Read more: Real Madrid vs Chelsea: Preview and Expert Football Prediction Meanwhile, the Red Devils come into this tie on the back of a 2-0 win over Everton. The win took their run of games without defeat at home to 24 (W21, D3), a run that stretches back to September 2022. So not only do they have a first-leg home advantage, but they also possess a solid home form to back it up. However, the last team to beat them at Old Trafford was Real Sociedad in this competition. Yet, a run of five games without defeat against Spanish opposition (W4, D1) shows how far they have come. Meanwhile, Sevilla have a good record against Manchester United as they have never lost a head-to-head against the Red Devils (W2, D1).  They come into this tie in decent shape, having not tasted defeat under new manager José Luis Mendilibar. The Spanish coach was hired to replace the sacked Jorge Sampaoli and has taken four points from the available six (W1, D1).  However, Medilibar was frustrated by a 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo in their last outing. If he wants to avoid another frustrating outing, his side will need to improve his side’s away form. Sevilla have won just one of their last eight away matches (D1, L6), while they have also lost four UEL trips in a row and were knocked out of this competition by English opposition last season (West Ham). Meanwhile, click here to get Correct Score tips daily 

Read More »

Arsenal and Man United target Julián Brandt sign new Dortmund deal

Borussia Dortmund have announced that Julian Brandt has signed a new contract that will keep him at Signal-Iduna Park until 2026. The midfielder’s previous deal was set to expire next summer, but the Bundesliga giants have successfully negotiated an extension after several weeks of behind-the-scenes negotiation over new terms. The new deal comes as a blow for clubs interested in Brandt, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle United all interested in the player, while Italian clubs Inter and Napoli were also keeping a watchful eye on negotiations. Read more: Erling Haaland compared to Messi and Ronaldo  BVB confirmed on Tuesday that Brandt has committed his future to the club. Brandt said in a club statement: “Even after four years, I still have a lot of fun every single day being part of this very team, standing on the pitch with these guys and playing football for this highly emotional club with its extraordinary fans. “To be honest, the feeling of being in the right place at the right time has always been the most important point in my sporting life. “And that won’t change either. I’m looking forward to the next few years in black and yellow. And I’m sure we’ll have the opportunity to celebrate something big together.” Having sealed a deal for Brandt, Dortmund might attempt to tie down the highly sought-after Jude Bellingham to a new contract. The English midfielder is wanted by Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid but could stay back at Signal Iduna Park beyond this summer after Liverpool pulled out of the race due to his price tag. Meanwhile, Dortmund are still in the Bundesliga title fight and could still pip Bayern Munich to the title this season, given the Bavarians’ struggles. Should they win the title, it will help them in future negotiations and could persuade Bellingham to stay.

Read More »

Liverpool pull out of Jude Bellingham’s race

Liverpool have reportedly given up their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham. The Reds were keen on signing Bellingham this summer after identifying the Englishman as the face of their new project.  But new reports on Tuesday claim that Jurgen Klopp’s men have dramatically decided to pull out of the race to sign the youngster as they prioritise a significant squad rebuild instead. Read more: Jurgen Klopp’s wants Nicolo Barella to strengthen his struggling midfield According to a report by GOAL, the financial outlay needed to sign Bellingham this summer convinced Liverpool to abandon the deal and seek cheaper alternatives that would benefit the entire team.  Borussia Dortmund had placed a £120 million ($149m) price tag on the 19-year-old, who has two years left on his contract but who is expected to look to move clubs at the end of the season. Liverpool believe they could get two or three other quality players with that amount and have taken the early and pragmatic decision to focus on a group of signings this summer rather than one stellar addition who would blow their entire kitty. Klopp and the Liverpool transfer team have identified Chelsea’s Mason Mount as a possible alternative to Bellingham. The England midfielder will cost way less than Dortmund want for Bellingham, given that he has a year left on his contract at Chelsea and wants to leave Stamford Bridge. As a result, the Blues will be forced to sell him this summer to avoid losing him for free next year. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s interest in Wolves’ Matheus Nunes is understood to have cooled. Still, Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella, Bayern’s Ryan Gravenberch, Atalanta’s Teun Koopmeiners and Luka Sucic of Salzburg are all admired.

Read More »