Will Still Linked with Southampton and Hull Jobs Following Lens Resignation

Will Still has resigned as RC Lens manager and is set to return to England ahead of the new season. Reports from talkSPORT and The Independent say Still is among the candidates Southampton are considering to replace Ivan Juric after the club’s relegation from the Premier League. Still led Lens to an eighth-place Ligue 1 finish and has returned to the UK to be closer to his partner Emma Saunders, who is dealing with health issues. Southampton, boasting a young squad compared to many Championship sides, could offer Still an appealing project. Former Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl is also in the running for the Saints’ job. Still is also reportedly under consideration for the Hull City manager role, after the Tigers dismissed Ruben Selles despite securing survival on the final day. However, Still may be hesitant due to Hull’s reputation for quickly sacking managers who underperform.

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Man City Withdraw from Wirtz Race Due to ‘Over-Inflated’ Costs

Manchester City have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, with the total cost of a potential deal deemed too high. Wirtz has enjoyed a standout season, scoring 16 goals and registering 15 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions. His form has attracted interest from Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and City. According to the BBC, the full cost of signing the 22-year-old could reach €300 million, including transfer fees and wages. “City are concerned the cost of the deal is over-inflated,” the report stated, despite acknowledging Wirtz’s status as one of Europe’s top young talents. Liverpool may now hold an advantage, having already made contact with the player’s representatives. The Reds have also triggered the £30 million release clause for Wirtz’s teammate Jeremie Frimpong‘s , with his arrival expected to be confirmed shortly. With City stepping back, Liverpool manager Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes could push ahead in their pursuit of Wirtz, especially after two relatively modest transfer windows since Slot took over in 2024. City will continue searching for a creative midfielder, with Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White emerging as a possible alternative. Pep Guardiola, who spent £180 million in January, is keen to refresh his squad ahead of the Club World Cup, following a heavy FA Cup final defeat.

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Iraola: Will Struggle to Replace Real Madrid-Bound Huijsen

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has admitted it will be tough to replace Dean Huijsen, who is set to join Real Madrid for £50 million. Speaking ahead of Bournemouth’s match against Manchester City, Iraola acknowledged the challenge his side faces. City have won all seven of their Premier League home games against the Cherries. He also commented on the FA Cup final, where Crystal Palace’s win impacted Bournemouth’s European hopes.“Even if it means we have less chances now to qualify for Europe, I think we have to congratulate Palace,” Iraola said. “A team outside the usual top six or eight winning a title is good for football.” On Dean’s exit, Iraola expressed mixed emotions.“Yes, I think for someone that is just 20, he has managed these situations quite well,” he said. “He’s the first one that wants to finish well this season. He’s pushing and ready to play these two games.” “You never want to lose this kind of player. But you also feel happy for him because he goes to Real Madrid. I think that’s what he really wanted.” Iraola confirmed the young defender has not missed training and remains focused. He added that the club now has time to prepare for next season.

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Amad Diallo Admits ‘Frustration’ Over Lack of Game Time at Manchester United

Manchester United winger Amad Diallo has opened up about his struggles for regular minutes under former manager Erik ten Hag and his desire to become one of the world’s best. Diallo, who turned 23 this year, was handed just 12 appearances last season under Ten Hag, despite impressing when given the chance — including a memorable 120th-minute winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals. Now a fan favourite at Old Trafford, Diallo has enjoyed a more prominent role under current manager Ruben Amorim when fit. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, the Ivorian admitted to feeling frustrated at times during Ten Hag’s tenure. “I need the game time to show I can play for this club,” he said. “In that moment, I was a little bit frustrated because you can understand sometimes maybe you deserve to play, and you don’t play.” “But I think now it’s because the manager believes in me. He believes in my potential. I’m trying to repay his confidence every time I’m on the pitch.” Diallo’s comments come as he eyes a bigger role in the 2025/26 campaign, hoping to cement his place as a key player for United.

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Rashford Open to Pay Cut to Force Barcelona Move

Marcus Rashford is reportedly willing to take a significant pay cut to facilitate a move to Barcelona, as the Manchester United forward looks to secure a new chapter in his career. According to Sport, the 27-year-old has impressed during a loan spell at Aston Villa since January, registering four goals and five assists. But with a permanent switch to Villa Park appearing unlikely, Rashford is now keen on joining the La Liga champions. Currently earning £315,000 per week on a contract that runs until 2028, Rashford knows Barcelona cannot match that wage due to ongoing financial restrictions. United are also seeking around £40 million for the England international, a fee the Spanish side would struggle to meet without concessions on salary. Villa do hold an option to sign him permanently but are reportedly unwilling to meet his wage demands. Even with Champions League football next season, the Midlands club can’t match the prestige or appeal of Barcelona. Unless United lower their asking price and Rashford drastically reduces his wages, a deal could still fall through. But the player’s willingness to compromise signals just how much he wants the move to happen.

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Former Liverpool goalkeeper Reina announces retirement from football

Former Liverpool and Spain goalkeeper Pepe Reina has confirmed he will retire from football at the end of the season. The 42-year-old made the announcement on Monday night, bringing an end to a remarkable 25-year playing career. Reina, who came through Barcelona‘s academy, rose to prominence at Liverpool, where he spent eight seasons and won both the FA Cup and League Cup. He also claimed the Premier League Golden Glove in each of his first three seasons at Anfield for keeping the most clean sheets. After leaving Liverpool, Reina enjoyed spells with Napoli, Bayern Munich, and AC Milan, before signing for Comolast year, where he made 11 Serie A appearances this season. “A very beautiful career is coming to an end, a very full life,” Reina told Movistar.“I feel very fortunate for what I’ve experienced. I didn’t expect it, but I think the time has come, and I feel like bringing it to a close here.” On the international stage, Reina earned 36 caps for Spain and was part of the legendary squad that won Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and Euro 2012. Looking ahead, Reina expressed a desire to move into coaching, as he prepares for life after his playing days. His final professional appearance could come on Friday against Inter Milan, as Como wrap up their season.

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football predictions today: liverpool vs brighton

Brighton Stun Champions Liverpool in 3-2 Thriller

Brighton & Hove Albion pulled off a stunning 3-2 victory over Premier League champions Liverpool at the Amex Stadium, claiming their first win over the Reds in five attempts. Liverpool, despite having already secured the league title, started with intent. Cody Gakpo  came close in the opening minute before Mohamed Salah  helped set up the opener. His delicate touch on Dominik Szoboszlai’s sweeping pass freed Conor Bradley, who cut back for Harvey Elliott to slot home in the 9th minute. Brighton responded with confidence. Simon Adingra’s deflected shot nearly found the net, and Pervis Estupiñán fired over moments later. Their persistence paid off just after the half-hour mark when Yasin Ayari controlled Brajan Gruda’s pass and slotted calmly past Alisson for 1-1. However, Liverpool struck again on the stroke of half-time. Szoboszlai powered a shot over Bart Verbruggen to restore the Reds’ lead. But Brighton refused to back down. They came out strong after the break and took the game to the champions. Danny Welbeck and Yankuba Minteh caused problems, and their pressure eventually turned into goals, with a late comeback sealing a famous win. The result marks a memorable night for the Seagulls, while Liverpool’s focus may now shift toward celebrations and squad building for next season.

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Guardiola: Grealish Future To Be Decided After Season Ends

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Jack Grealish’s future at the club will be decided at the end of the season, as the England international continues to struggle for game time. Grealish, a key figure in City’s 2023 treble-winning side, has fallen down the pecking order. The 29-year-old has started just seven Premier League games this term and was an unused substitute in City‘s shock FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace. That omission has intensified speculation around a summer exit, but Guardiola insists no talks have been held yet.“We didn’t talk, I didn’t talk with him,” Guardiola said on Monday.“These things belong to the agents and the club. Txiki [Begiristain] and Hugo [Viana] will decide. He needs to come back and start playing minutes again.” The City boss acknowledged that Grealish, who still has two years left on his contract, is likely frustrated by his limited role.“There is not one player in my locker room who is happy when they do not play,” he added.“They are here to play, and when they don’t, they are not satisfied. That’s normal.” Meanwhile, Guardiola confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne will leave City at the end of the season. The Belgian will play his final home game against Bournemouth, ending a glittering 10-year spell at the club with 16 trophies.Despite De Bruyne’s belief that he can still play at the highest level, Guardiola hinted that the time is right to part ways due to recent injury setbacks and declining form.“There are players who are really difficult to replace,” he said.“But we have to move forward.” City now face a crucial run-in, and the futures of several senior players are set to dominate the summer headlines.

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Football Predictions Today: AC Milan vs Monza Sure Tips

AC Milan close out their Serie A campaign at home against relegated Monza on Saturday at the iconic San Siro. Read our preview for the AC Milan vs Monza game. With a place in the top seven still within reach, the Rossoneri will be pushing for three points, while Monza play their final game before dropping to Serie B. Here’s your football predictions today featuring expert betting previews and our tips. Betting Preview For AC Milan vs Monza Betting On AC Milan Milan are aiming to end a rough week on a positive note. After a Coppa Italia final loss to Bologna and a 3-1 league defeat at Roma, they’ll welcome the chance to face a Monza side that’s already relegated. With four wins in their last five against Monza and three clean sheets in those meetings, the Rossoneri will feel confident about finishing strong in front of their home fans. Santiago Giménez is suspended, while fitness tests await Theo Hernandez, Samuel Chukwueze, and Kyle Walker. Betting On Monza Monza’s season will end in disappointment after a tough campaign that sees them relegated to Serie B. They’ve lost seven of their last eight league matches, conceding 18 goals in that span. While they briefly led against Empoli last week, defensive lapses cost them again. Pedro Pereira is available after suspension, but Monza continue to deal with multiple injuries and a fragile backline. MatchPlug Prediction For AC Milan vs Monza Despite Milan’s recent struggles, this fixture offers them a great opportunity to bounce back. Monza’s poor form and leaky defense make them vulnerable, especially away from home. Expect Milan to take charge early and cruise to a routine win to close the season. Final Prediction: AC Milan Over/Under

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Football Predictions Today: Venezia vs Juventus Sure Tips

Venezia hosts Juventus at Stadio Pierluigi Penzo on May 25, 2025, in a crucial Serie A relegation and European qualification battle. Read our preview for the Venezia vs Juventus. Venezia fight to avoid the drop, while Juventus aim to secure a Champions League spot.  Get today’s football tips and betting predictions from MatchPlug’s experts. Betting Preview For Venezia vs Juventus Betting On Venezia Venezia come into the game winless in 18 of their last 20 Serie A matches, sitting second from bottom and desperately needing a win to keep survival hopes alive. A recent 3-0 loss to Cagliari deepened their relegation worries, and even a win may not guarantee safety without other results going their way. Betting On Juventus Juventus arrive unbeaten in their last four matches, including a solid 2-0 home win over Udinese. The Bianconeri’s attack has been reliable, scoring in seven of their last eight league games, though their defence has been leaky, failing to keep a clean sheet in nine of their last ten. A win here will confirm Champions League qualification. MatchPlug Prediction For Venezia vs Juventus Given the stakes, Juventus should edge this contest with their superior quality. Recent head-to-head clashes suggest goals at both ends, with over 2.5 goals scored in four of the last five meetings. Our prediction: a close 2-1 Juventus victory with both teams finding the net. Final Score Prediction: Juventus over/under

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