In our weekly talk cock sessions, we look at the latest transfer news, gossips, and highlights that have football fans all over the world buzzing with excitement.
Champions League final moved to the Stade de France Stadium
UEFA have announced that this season’s Champions League final will be moved to the Stade de France Stadium, close to Paris, France. UEFA’s official announcement comes following a committee meeting that was held earlier on Friday morning, discussing the possibility of moving the prestigious final amid rising conflicts between Russia and Ukraine. The European competition’s final was scheduled to take place on 28 May in Saint Petersburg. However, following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade neighbouring Ukraine on Thursday, footballing regulators have been left with little choice but to rearrange the illustrious fixture.
Man Utd target Antonio Rudiger transfer
Manchester United are keen to land free agent Antonio Rudiger this summer. Ralf Rangnick is a big fan of the Champions League-winning defender who has yet to sign a new contract at Chelsea. But 28-year-old Rudiger is focused on the Blues push for silverware and will leave a decision until the end of the season. It casts a shadow over the future of Harry Maguire with United having conceded the most goals in the top four and the joint-most in the top six. Talks over a new deal for Rudiger at Stamford Bridge are no nearer being resolved with the centre-back, whose contract expires this summer, well aware that he could earn up to £400,000-a-week with Real Madrid and PSG – both of whom have already made clear their interest.
Marcus Rashford faces being dropped
Ralf Rangnick has hinted that Marcus Rashford faces being dropped unless he can rediscover his best form for Manchester United. The England forward has been in and out of the side since beginning his season in October following shoulder surgery. He returned to the starting line-up for the midweek Champions League meeting with Atletico Madrid. But again struggled to impact the game and was substituted with 15 minutes left. In fact the England man has been given 14 starts in all competitions, despite scoring just five goals and earning two assists in 22 appearances. Rashford’s replacement in Madrid, Anthony Elanga, duly netted the equaliser, and Rangnick made no attempt to sugar-coat Rashford’s recent form.
Arsenal eye Marco Asensio
One name that has been linked with a switch to Mikel Arteta’s outfit is that of Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio – who has registered nine goals in all competitions this term – with the club reportedly open to receiving offers for the winger in the summer. This comes with the La Liga giants prepared to accept a cut-price fee, despite the player’s €700m release clause, ranging roughly between €50-60m. With the 26-year-old’s contract set to expire in 2023 and there being no clear sign of a contract renewal taking place in the near future, it’s expected that several top outfits will be keen to examine the opportunity in question come the end of the season. Asensio has featured fairly regularly, however, for Carlo Ancelotti’s men of late in the Spanish top-flight, which could yet convince the forward that his future lies with the current league leaders.
Mauricio Pochettino prefers Real Madrid job to Manchester United
Pochettino is widely expected to leave his position with PSG at the end of the campaign, and the Argentine is believed to be Man United’s number one target to replace Ralf Rangnick. However, Real Madrid have also been linked with the former Tottenham Hotspur head coach amid suggestions that Carlo Ancelotti could be relieved of his duties ahead of next season. Pochettino is keen on a switch to Bernabeu and regrets turning down Los Blancos when they make a move for him in 2018. The report claims that the 49-year-old has turned down an approach from the 20-time English champions, having been made aware that Ancelotti could be on his way out of Real Madrid. Pochettino has a contract with PSG until the end of next season and is on course to enjoy a successful campaign at the club, but both parties are allegedly preparing to part ways in the coming months.
Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United battle for Jordan Veretout
Veretout is open to leaving the club after falling down the pecking order under Jose Mourinho. As well as the Premier League interest in him it is understood Veretout has also garnered interest from clubs within the Serie A, such as title challengers Napoli and league leaders AC Milan (once Franck Kessie leaves). Veretout is valued at £27m, and Roma will demand a similar fee for him at around €25m or £21m. Both Spurs and Newcastle could use a midfielder with his qualities, but getting him could depend on where they each finish in the Premier League this season. Relegation for The Magpies will certainly rule them out of contention while a lack of Champions League football could make Spurs a lack attractive proposition as well.
