West Ham braced for opening bids for Declan Rice


West Ham anticipate receiving bids for captain Declan Rice in the immediate aftermath of the Europa Conference League final with Fiorentina.

The Hammers will appear in their first major European final for 47 years on Wednesday looking to win their first trophy of any kind since 1980, when they surprisingly beat Arsenal 1-0, as a second division side, to lift the FA Cup at Wembley.

David Moyes’ side were disappointing in the Premier League during 2022/23, losing 20 of their 38 games to finish 14th in the table, but have been excellent in Europe, overcoming Gent and AZ Alkmaar in the knockout stages of the Conference League to book their place in Prague.

Central to their run to the final has been Rice, whose long-term future has dominated the build-up to the game. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United all hold significant interest in the 24-year-old, as do Bayern Munich – Bundesliga champions for the last 11 seasons.

West Ham have accepted that Rice, who has two years remaining on his contract, is likely to leave London Stadium this summer and have been preparing for his eventual departure for some time. But they are also determined to hold firm in their valuation of Rice and will not settle for anything less than £100m – either that price is met or a deal will not be agreed.

The club expect bids for Rice to come in straight after Wednesday’s final, sources have confirmed to 90min, but it remains to be seen whether Arsenal, Chelsea or any other interested party are willing to immediately pay the price West Ham are looking for.

90min has reported extensively on Rice’s potential next steps, revealing that new Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino is keen on the England international in addition to detailing Manchester City’s renewed interest. Arsenal’s pursuit of Rice, and their desire to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s midfield options, has also been well documented.

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The surprise interest of Bayern Munich has stolen the headlines for the past week, while noises continue to be made over a potential late move from Manchester United. The Red Devils are in the market for new midfielders – personal terms have already been agreed with Chelsea’s Mason Mount – and manager Erik ten Hag is believed to be impressed with Rice’s all-around game.

Rice has publicly stated his ambition to play in the Champions League and compete for trophies, and it’s unlikely that a West Ham win against Fiorentina – which would book a place in next season’s Europa League – will be enough to keep him at the club.

And though money is not a factor in Rice’s decision making, it’s clear that his growing stature and reputation – one that has been enhanced by the interest of so many clubs – could command a significant wage packet that West Ham simply aren’t able to afford.

As it stands, Rice has not made it clear if he has a preferred destination, despite talk of the player wanting to remain in London to be . Furthermore, he is leaving talks over his future to his family and representatives while he focuses on leading West Ham out against Fiorentina.

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On this week’s edition of Talking Transfers, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders is joined by Toby Cudworth and Graeme Bailey to discuss Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Alexis Mac Allister, Karim Benzema, William Saliba & more!

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Lionel Messi’s father offers huge update on potential Barcelona return


The father of Lionel Messi has confirmed the World Cup winner is looking to return to Barcelona this summer.

Messi has already announced his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, ending his two-year stint in France in the hope of sealing a return to Camp Nou ahead of next season.

Re-signing Messi has been among Barcelona’s top priorities this summer but the Blaugrana have been waiting for approval of their financial plan from La Liga, having been temporarily banned from registering new players after exceeding their salary cap.

90min understands that La Liga are expected to approve of Barcelona‘s plans imminently and the league champions will immediately begin work thrashing out a contract for Messi, whose father met with Barcelona president Joan Laporta on Monday.

Indeed, the meeting between Laporta and Messi’s father, Jorge, was captured taking place by Toni Juanmarti, who spoke to the senior Messi afterwards.

“Messi wants to return to Barça and I would love for him to come back,” Jorge said. “It is an option.”

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Jorge later told Jijantes FC: “We trust that Messi can return.”

Barcelona are confident of reaching an agreement to re-sign Messi, who left the club in 2021 due to their financial struggles, and will also use their new-found freedom to finalise contract extensions for a number of first-team stars.

Midfielder Gavi and centre-back Ronald Araujo both agreed long-term extensions months ago but Barcelona’s attempts to register those deals were blocked by La Liga, who banned the club from adding to their salary while they were already over their cap.

Since then, Barcelona have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to prove to La Liga that they can afford their plans, with the recent departures of both Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba going a long way to help that cause.

Registering Gavi and Araujo’s extensions is high on the list of priorities for Barcelona who, once negotiations with Messi come to an end, will also begin pursuing a number of other transfer targets.

Athletic Club’s Inigo Martinez could join after confirming his departure from the Basque side this summer, while Manchester City duo Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan are also targets for Barcelona.

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On this week’s edition of Talking Transfers, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders is joined by Toby Cudworth and Graeme Bailey to discuss Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Alexis Mac Allister, Karim Benzema, William Saliba & more!

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Liverpool agree personal terms with Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister


Liverpool have agreed personal terms with Alexis Mac Allister, 90min understands, and are finalising the details of his proposed transfer with Brighton.

The 24-year-old has long been seen as a key target for Liverpool this summer and the Reds have moved quickly to fend off interest from rival suitors and strike an agreement.

90min revealed last Tuesday that Liverpool were confident of tying up a deal for Mac Allister, who won the World Cup with Argentina in December, and personal terms have now been agreed over a long-term contract.

The finer details of the transfer fee are still being ironed out with Brighton, but the Seagulls have always maintained that they will not stand in Mac Allister’s way if Liverpool are prepared to meet their asking price.

Once the two clubs have finalised an agreement over the fee. Mac Allister will undergo a medical at Liverpool’s training ground ahead of becoming Jurgen Klopp’s first signing of the summer.

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Liverpool hired Jorg Schmadtke as their new sporting director last week and have wasted little time in beginning their summer business.

With a deal for Mac Allister increasingly likely to be closed, Liverpool have already begun work on other targets and 90min understands talks have been opened with the representatives of Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone and Nice’s Khephren Thuram.

Intriguingly, Schmadtke’s son Nils is set to take over as sporting director at Gladbach.

Midfield is seen as a real area of priority for Liverpool, who were keen to recruit Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham this summer but soon pulled out of the race due to the cost of a deal. Real Madrid are now set to win the race for the Englishman’s signature.

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On this week’s edition of Talking Transfers, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders is joined by Toby Cudworth and Graeme Bailey to discuss Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Alexis Mac Allister, Karim Benzema, William Saliba & more!

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Ilkay Gundogan explains how Man City can beat Inter to complete treble


Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan has stressed that keeping things simple and repeating the ‘same things’ that have already delivered success will be the club’s best way to win a first Champions League title and complete the treble against Inter on Saturday.

City made it three Premier League titles in a row in May when they reeled in and then overtook long-time leaders Arsenal, before adding the FA Cup with victory over Manchester United at Wembley – Gundogan himself scored both goals in the 2-1 final win, which could be his last game on English soil should Barcelona get their way and sign him as a free agent this summer.

The Champions League final against Inter in Istanbul awaits, with City looking to become only the second English team in history to complete the treble, and the first in 24 years.

Pep Guardiola’s side have come unstuck in the Champions League before by overcomplicating things, while they were also previously stung by an underdog Chelsea side in the 2021 final.

“It is about doing the same things that we’ve been doing for the last two weeks,” Gundogan said.

“We don’t have to do anything special. I think the simplicity of doing our things makes us special. It is about putting effort into the training sessions, prepare as well as possible and go to Istanbul and try to win the game,” he added.

READ THE LATEST MAN CITY NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP

Gundogan also admitted it is only now that City players are starting to think about a treble, with their focus until only recently being mainly on the Premier League title race.

“We were not really talking much about it because we were chasing Arsenal for a long time in the Premier League, so we were mainly focused on trying to win our next game every single time. There wasn’t much timeto think about it,” he explained.

Gundogan, who was named City captain last summer following the departure of Fernandinho, is out of contract at Etihad Stadium at the end of June. Should he not agree a new deal, the Champions League final would be the 32-year-old’s last game for the club.

Barcelona are confident of finalising a deal, although their summer transfer business is dependent on the approval of a plan submitted to La Liga, having struggled to stay compliant with spending rules.

But City are also hopeful that Gundogan will stay in Manchester.

“[Gundogan] knows what I think. Txiki [Begiristain, football director] is working on it. Hopefully he can be successful,” Pep Guardiola said in the wake of the FA Cup final.

Gundogan himself told beIN SPORTS, “I feel very appreciated at the club. I have never been at a football club for seven years. So, I think that shows how much I love this team, the manager and I love this club. We will see what’s going to happen.”

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On this week’s edition of Talking Transfers, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders is joined by Toby Cudworth and Graeme Bailey to discuss Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Alexis Mac Allister, Karim Benzema, William Saliba & more!

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Victor Osimhen reflects on possible transfer amid Chelsea & Man Utd interest


Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has admitted he will just ‘go with the flow’ with regard to a possible summer transfer and leave his destiny in the hands of president Aurelio De Laurentiis.

The 24-year-old had a career best season in 2022/23, scoring 26 times in Serie A to help deliver Napoli’s first title since 1990 when Diego Maradona was at the club. Osimhen landed the Capocannoniere trophy as the league’s top scorer as a result and is on the radar of both Manchester United and Chelsea as the transfer window nears.

90min has previously revealed Osimhen is Chelsea’s primary striker target for 2023, with the Blues lacking a recognised number nine since Romelu Lukaku’s club record return turned sour. United are also in the market for a striker in the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo’s November exit.

Bayern Munich are another club keeping tabs on the player, although any buyer could be forced to part with close to €150m to meet Napoli’s valuation.

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“I don’t know, the president has to decide that,” Osimhen told DAZN on the subject of his future. 

“I love the people of Napoli, they have shown me so much love. For me, I don’t mind, the president decides and I will just go with the flow.”

Discussing his own success this past season, Osimhen continued: “It’s amazing feeling for me, I won the scudetto, which is the most important thing in my career so far. I am grateful to God for this season, for my teammates, my family, for the Neapolitans and they deserve all of this.

“This season has been brilliant for me, my teammates and the Neapolitans. I think I’ve done so well this season and deserve every good thing I’ve got, but I feel motivated to do even more next season.”

“It won’t be difficult to keep our best players, we’re good with contracts – but never say never in case of crazy proposals. I think they will stay for long time,” De Laurentiis said when discussing the Napoli futures of both Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in February.

However, in early May, the president stated: “I will not sell Victor Osimhen this summer – no way!”

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On this week’s edition of Talking Transfers, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders is joined by Toby Cudworth and Graeme Bailey to discuss Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Alexis Mac Allister, Karim Benzema, William Saliba & more!

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Diogo Costa reveals feelings towards Man Utd transfer


Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa has insisted he wants to stay with his current club this summer, despite interest from Manchester United.

United want to sign a new stopper this summer to provide a higher level of competition for David de Gea, who is expected to sign a new contract to remain at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future.

Costa has long been admired at United but 90min understands the 23-year-old is one of a handful of names on a shortlist which also includes Brentford’s David Raya, among others.

Asked about a possible move to Old Trafford after the Taca de Portugal final on Sunday, Costa made it clear that he is not listening to the speculation.

“That’s the internet,” the goalkeeper said of the rumours.

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He added: “I love Porto, it’s the club of my life. I would give my life for it. My life is resolved with Porto. It is a happiness and an honour to play for my favourite club.

“What they say is what they say, there is nothing concrete, I have a contract until 2027 and I hope to continue, let’s see.”

De Gea came under fire from United fans after his performance in the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City, failing to keep out Ilkay Gundogan’s tame winner and struggling with the ball at his feet.

Manager Erik ten Hag, who has publicly admitted his wish to sign a new goalkeeper, has tried to shield De Gea from the criticism but did concede ‘there are issues‘ with the Spaniard’s style of play.

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On this edition of The Promised Land, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders and Rob Blanchette react to Man Utd’s FA Cup final defeat at the hands of Man City!

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Caicedo agrees Arsenal contract, Man Utd hijack Rice move


90min rounds up the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip circulating around the world…

Manchester United are readying a late push to sign West Ham‘s Declan Rice, despite the feeling that he is likely to join Arsenal. (Football Insider)

Moises Caicedo has agreed personal terms with Arsenal but Chelsea are prepared to pay a higher transfer fee to Brighton, with the Blues expected to use centre-back Levi Colwill as part of their offer. Caicedo is valued at £75m. (Teradeportes)

Manchester City hope their push to win the treble this season will convince Erling Haaland to sign a new long-term contract and snub interest from Real Madrid. (Telegraph)

With their season now over, Manchester United are preparing a £50m bid for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount and also hope to persuade Tottenham to sell striker Harry Kane, although there is an acceptance signing the latter is ‘unlikely’. (Telegraph)

Real Madrid are readying a £100m bid for Kane after learning of Karim Benzema‘s decision to leave the club. (Mail)

Tottenham have made contact with Everton over a summer transfer for goalkeeper Jordan Pickford but could be scared off by his high asking price. (FootballTransfers)

READ THE TRANSFER RUMOURS OF THE PAST WEEK HERE

As he approaches the final 12 months of his Liverpool contract, Thiago Alcantara is not expected to be offered fresh terms. The midfielder will not be sold this summer, however, and could depart on a free transfer next year. (Goal)

Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat is also a target for Manchester United, who are keen to stop Barcelona from landing the Morocco international. (Sport)

Paris Saint-Germain have identified former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann as their preferred replacement for Christophe Galtier, who could be relieved of his duties. PSG want to bring Thierry Henry in as Nagelsmann’s assistant. (Foot Mercato)

Chelsea are prepared to demand £20m to part ways with left-back Ian Maatsen this summer, with Burnley keen to keep the Dutchman around after his successful loan spell. (Standard)

Bayern Munich are keen to offload Sadio Mane this summer and believe that Newcastle could be tempted to make an offer for the former Liverpool forward. (Sport1)

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On this week’s edition of Talking Transfers, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders is joined by Toby Cudworth and Graeme Bailey to discuss Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Alexis Mac Allister, Karim Benzema, William Saliba & more!

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Angel City FC sign veteran midfielder Amandine Henry


Angel City FC‘s making moves and strengthening its squad with 33-year-old defensive midfielder Amandine Henry who has signed a three-year deal at the club.

She’s played over 200 matches for Lyon across all competitions between 2007 and 2023, but missed the end of the last season with a knee sprain and ligament injury.

The French international is no stranger to the NWSL, having spent the 2016/17 season with the Portland Thorns.

“I enjoyed my previous seasons in the NWSL because of the level of play, the dedication of the fans and great teammates, so I am excited to now be a part of Angel City,” she said in a statement. “I can’t wait to be a part of a new team, help write history, and win with the club.”

Lyon fans have been vocal about Henry’s departure on social media, likening it to other instances of the club being less-than-cordial with storied players.

Henry was also famously involved in a bit of controversy with former French national team coach Corinne Diacre, who dropped Henry – team captain for the 2019 World Cup – from the squad for last year’s European Championship due to Henry criticizing her leadership.

She joins fellow French international midfielder Clarisse Le Bihan at Angel City.





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FA condemn Man Utd fan who wore jersey mocking Hillsborough tragedy


The FA have released a statement condemning the fan who work a t-shirt mocking victims of the Hillsborough tragedy at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

A man was arrested on Saturday at the FA Cup final clash between Manchester United and Manchester City for wearing a Man Utd kit with the number 97 and ‘not enough’ written on the back. The man, identified as James White from Warwickshire, has been charged by the Metropolitan Police for a public order offence.

The t-shirt was referencing the unlawful deaths of 97 Liverpool fans at Hillsborough Stadium in 1989 during an FA Cup semi-final clash between the Reds and Nottingham Forest.

In a statement released on Sunday, the FA condemned the fan, writing: “The FA strongly condemns the actions of the individual who wore a shirt referencing the Hillsborough disaster ahead of the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

“We saw a photograph of the offensive shirt on social media and immediately started working to identify the perpetrator.

“Our security team were able to quickly locate the individual based on the image, and we welcome the swift action which was then taken by the police.

“We will not tolerate abuse relating to Hillsborough or any football tragedy at Wembley Stadium and we will continue to work with the authorities to ensure strong action is taken against perpetrators.”

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Mason Mount quizzed on potential move to Manchester United


Mason Mount has been questioned about his potential move to Manchester United at the Spanish Grand Prix.

90min reported earlier in the week Mount’s representatives had agreed personal terms in principle with Man Utd ahead of a summer move to Old Trafford. Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle United have also spoken to the midfielder after talks with current club Chelsea regarding a new contract stalled.

Ahead of Sunday’s Formula One race in Spain, Mount was cornered by Sky Sport‘s Martin Brundle and queried about the potential move to the Red Devils, to which he replied: “I am just here to enjoy this race today! Amazing day, can’t wait to watch it now.”

Brundle also talked to Mount’s teammate and pal Ben Chilwell about the midfielder’s potential transfer, replying he’d be delighted if Mount stayed at Chelsea.

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“It’s none of my business personally but he is my best mate so I would love him to stay.”

While personal terms have been agreed, 90min understands Man Utd’s valuation of Mount falls some way short of what Chelsea would like to recoup in the transfer window. Man Utd are keen to offer around £50m while the Blues are holding out for a fee closer to £75m.

The midfielder still has one year left on his current contract at Stamford Bridge and new manager Mauricio Pochettino is believed to be keen to keep hold of him.

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On this week’s edition of Talking Transfers, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders is joined by Toby Cudworth and Graeme Bailey to discuss Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Alexis Mac Allister, Karim Benzema, William Saliba & more!

If you can’t see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!





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