Man Utd rocked with Dalot and Onana set for training ground clash after teammate is praised
There could be an imminent battle between Diogo Dalot and Andre Onana in Man Utd training after the former disgracefully praised an international teammate.
Flagging order
Mediawatch wakes up every day praying that the England flag stuff was all just a terribly boring dream which can be happily ignored for the sake of everyone’s mental health. But if there is a dead nationalistic horse to flog you can bet The Sun and Nick Parker are more than willing to oblige.GRAN Lynne Bellinger came up with a super sub when hubby John asked her to “sort” England’s “woke” collar motif.
She ironed a small St George’s flag over it. This is news. Actual news. In an actual newspaper.
England and West Ham nut John Bellinger, 61, bought the shirt for Saturday’s friendly against Brazil at Wembley.
‘Nut’ indeed.
Lynne, 61, used a high-tech “Cricut” machine to make a miniature replacement iron-on flag which covered up the unloved emblem hours before the game.
JUST HOURS before?
And the home-made version wowed fans who pledged to follow the lad’s lead if they fork out a fortune on the new Euro 2024 shirt.
It ‘wowed’ them?! It’s a small rectangle on a shirt collar. And it ‘wowed’ them. This is deeply unhinged stuff. And we haven’t even got to the quotes from the ‘England and West Ham nut’ John yet. Quotes we will now present without comment:
“It only cost about £1 and she ironed it on top of the badge on the back of the collar to cover up that awful woke design.
“Bobby is named after England’s 1966 captain Bobby Moore – a West Ham legend who would have hated the new shirt.
“And our Bobby was so proud of the badge he kept taking his jacket off at the game to show it off, even though it was freezing cold.”
His parents will presumably accept hypothermia as an inevitable and unavoidable consequence of the war against ‘woke’ pieces of fabric.
READ MORE: ‘England stars’ rage against kit change which has completely derailed Euro 2024 preparations
Moving as far away as possible from such utterly deranged nonsense, it is actually something of a relief to see some good old bad-faith journalism rather than simply offensive, dog-whistle fare.And there is no better proponent of the former than the Daily Mirror website, who bring us this:
Diogo Dalot risks Andre Onana’s wrath by rating Man Utd alternative as a better goalkeeper
What has Dalot said to potentially prompt ‘extreme anger’ from Onana? The Man Utd keeper has ‘lost his rag’ with a teammate before but this sounds even more serious.
Well Dalot reckons Diogo Costa “has that ability and for me he will be the best goalkeeper in the world soon”. His Portugal teammate, Diogo Costa. His actual friend, Diogo Costa. And he was speaking in his capacity as a Portugal player on international duty, about Diogo Costa.
Unless Onana is a child he probably won’t be too perturbed.
But try telling the Metro, who run with the same quotes and write of Onana that ‘it appears some of his Man Utd teammates still need convincing’.
Dalot answers a question clearly specifically about Costa by saying that Costa is quite good, which obviously means he thinks Onana is bad. That is definitely how it works.
Also, Dalot has played around 100 career games with Costa from the Portugal and Porto youth teams upwards, while he has been Onana’s teammate for a single Man Utd season. That feels pertinent.
Not to the MailOnline, who believe Dalot has ‘snubbed’ Onana by talking about a different player when asked a question about that particular player.
It is dreadful, awful and wilfully misleading, yet infinitely better than ‘woke’ England flag chat.
Hot Cross buns
There is an incredible juxtaposition to be found on the Twitter timeline of Daily Star chief sports writer Jeremy Cross, who spent a small amount of his Monday evening indulging in the favourite pastime of football tabloid journalists: impotently raging against the unfairness of the SJA awards.‘Outdated. Prejudiced. Judges out of touch. Anti-tabloids. Shameful the way they exclude a huge part of the industry. Disrespectful,’ he wrote after retweeting a similar message from Neil Custis a month prior. Neither seem to realise that almost all Sports Journalism Association award categories require entered submissions to be considered for their category shortlists. And presumably both Cross and Custis – and their many supporters – were too busy being furious to enter submissions of their work for consideration.
But just below those two posts on the Cross timeline was a retweet of his most recent column, in which he calls Mikel Arteta ‘the perfect fit’ for the Liverpool job, because he is passionate like Jurgen Klopp and a former Spanish midfielder like Xabi Alonso. Oh, and ‘when it comes to history, tradition, expectation and success, Liverpool are twice the size of Arsenal’.
He also scoffs at the importance of Michael Edwards in Liverpool’s recent success, because lessons can never be learned on either that or the SJA front by our tabloid friends.
Either way, it was just funny to see Cross trying to uphold the noble art of journalism and lament how his is among the sort of work routinely overlooked and disregarded, so painfully soon after saying with no hint of sarcasm that Liverpool should ‘prize Arteta out of north London’.
Congratulations to Adam Crafton for claiming the big prise on Monday evening, by the way. And to whoever remembered to submit their work to be shortlisted instead of crying about it.
Ring my Bell
‘Why Jude Bellingham is streets ahead of a young Wayne Rooney’ is an eye-catching headline to see in the Daily Mail, not least because it is about 427 words too short and lacks any capitalisation. Also because it just sounds like a really stupid premise for an article but let’s give Oliver Holt the benefit of the doubt and take a look.The first sign that he might have been stitched up a little is that the first mention of Rooney comes 15 paragraphs in. That is also literally the only time he is referenced by name. That isn’t good.
The crux of what Holt is trying to say is essentially that while Rooney had something of a reputation for reacting under provocation, Bellingham ‘appears too smart to get sucked into that kind of trap’.
The bloke was booked against Brazil for a foul of his own and has recently served a two-game suspension for a red card but yes, he is unrufflable for a reason not yet made clear.
He knows – and Southgate knows – that the opposition will try to unsettle him during the Euros. He will be ready for that.
Didn’t seem too ready for it against Brazil. Certainly not enough to pretend he is ‘streets ahead of a young Wayne Rooney’ in the temperament department. Which is no bad thing – both were and are incredible footballers at that age – it’s just weird to denigrate one of them while pretending the other has no such flaws.
Tottenham boost with Chelsea ‘set to sell’ three players ‘by June 30’ to ‘avoid points deduction’
Chelsea are reportedly ‘set to sell’ three players ‘by June 30th’ so they can ‘avoid a points deduction’ for breaching Profit and Sustainability rules.
The Premier League giants are currently walking a financial tightrope as they are on track to breach the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.
Chelsea sanction summer sales
Under current regulations, Premier League teams are allowed to lose £105m over three years. Chelsea are yet to submit their accounts for the 2023/24 campaign but they have lost £211.5m in the two previous years.
Earlier this week, former Aston Villa and Everton CEO Keith Wyness claimed a points deduction is ‘coming’ Chelsea’s way next season and there may be ‘no way out’ for chairman Todd Boehly.
Chelsea being in trouble is not a surprise as they have invested over £1bn on signings since Boehly’s consortium bought the club in 2022.
The deadline for Chelsea to submit their accounts for the 23/24 campaign is June 30. To balance the books, they could sell a couple of pricey assets and according to Football Insider, that is what they are planning to do.
Conor Gallagher is one player who could be on the move. The England international has been a key player for his boyhood club this season but his future is in doubt as his current contract is due to expire in 2025.
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Given Chelsea’s worrying PSR situation, they may be forced to sell Gallagher in the summer and he has consistently been linked with Tottenham Hotspur this season. A recent report claimed Ange Postecoglou’s side are planning to ‘low-ball’ Chelsea with an ‘early’ bid for the centre-midfielder.
READ MORE: Chelsea stars reassigned after FFP ‘expulsion’… Mudryk to Arsenal as Liverpool land trio
Gallagher and Co. on the move?
Football Insider claim Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah and Armando Broja are ‘set to be sold by June 30’. The report explains.
‘The trio could be the first three senior players sacrificed to help the Blues stay within profit and sustainability regulations.
‘Chelsea have recorded losses of £211.5million in the last two seasons, but regulations only allow £105million worth of losses over three years.
‘Well-placed sources have told Football Insider that these players would need to be sold before 30th June to avoid a potential points deduction.’
READ MORE: What the FFP is going on? Forest appeal, Man City ‘expulsion’, Chelsea wait, Everton PSR fight and Leicester?
Regarding potential replacements for Gallagher, Football Transfers claim Chelsea have ‘opened talks’ with RB Leipzig over signing Dani Olmo.
The report adds: ‘Chelsea have initiated discussions with RB Leipzig over a potential summer transfer for Dani Olmo, FootballTransfers can reveal.
‘The Blues will look to move on Conor Gallagher and out-of-favour Raheem Sterling and consequently have set their sights on bringing in a suitable replacement, with the RB Leipzig attacker very much a target.
‘Indeed, sources close to the situation have indicated that 25-year-old Spain international has emerged as a primary target for Chelsea ahead of the transfer window and discussions are already underway.’
Chelsea to ‘test waters’ with bid for Serie A superstar as alternative to Osimhen
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helsea could reportedly ‘test the waters’ for Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez if they fail in their pursuit of their top target Victor Osimhen in the summer.
The Blues have been linked with some huge striker signings of late. On their list are the likes of Osimhen, Ivan Toney and Viktor Gyokeres, all of which have the potential to be massive stars.
According to HITC, the former is the ‘first choice’ as Chelsea look to recruit a world-class striker to change their fortunes, given they are currently 11th in the Premier League.
However, he’ll apparently cost £95million this summer, and despite that being below his release clause of £113million, it could be difficult for the Blues to pay.
They’ve splashed over £1billion in the past two years, and have not recouped a lot of cash. As such, if they don’t make some big sales this summer, their ability to make big signings will surely be significantly reduced.
As such, if they are unable to get Osimhen for that reason or another, they have another Serie A striker lined up as a backup option.
Indeed, the report states Chelsea may ‘test the waters’ for Inter Milan man Martinez if they ‘fail in their pursuit’ of the Nigerian. Martinez currently has just two years left on his contract, so could be cheaper than Osimhen.Related video: The Problem With Chelsea's Tactics Nobody's Talking About (FourFourTwo)
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That said, he is outscoring the Napoli man by a long way this season, having scored 23 Serie A goals, so that is sure to make him an expensive player.
It’s believed Inter feel they will be able to lock him down for longer than they currently have him for, too. The report states there is ‘confidence’ that the striker will renew his terms with the club.
That’s as they’re planning to offer him the chance to become the highest-paid player at the club, after talks over a new contract began to drag after they were opened last year.
If a new contract is agreed upon before the summer window, it seems unlikely that Chelsea will attempt to make a move for him, as it would be very tough for Inter to let Martinez go in that event.
READ MORE: Romano reveals Man Utd ‘talks’ over top Arsenal, Chelsea target after PL star describes ‘ideal’ summer
Staveley faces Newcastle board ‘disqualification’ as court case threatens to strip her of shares
Amanda Staveley could reportedly be ‘disqualified’ from being on the Newcastle board and stripped of her shares if she is forced to file for bankruptcy as part of an ongoing legal battle.
Staveley currently owns six per cent of Newcastle after the takeover backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund in 2021. The club’s fortunes have turned around since that acquisition of the club.
Indeed, they finished 12th the season prior to the takeover, but were struggling at the bottom end of the table at the beginning of the following season before the club was bought.
They strengthened in the January window of the 2021/22 season and ended up finishing 11th. The following season, after more big names were secured, Newcastle came fourth, securing Champions League football.
Staveley could lose Newcastle shares
Staveley could soon be banished from being on the club’s board entirely, though. Indeed, she is currently in a legal battle against a Greek shipping magnate and has been forced to pay £3.4million by April 22 or she’ll face a bankruptcy order.
If she is to go bankrupt, that would class as a ‘disqualifying event’ as per the Premier League’s rules, and that would mean she would be stripped of her seat on the Newcastle board and lose her shares in the club, as per Football Insider.Related video: Newcastle United's Stavely on Newcastle United F.C (Bloomberg)
Salaam alaikum everyone, and welcome. I'm super excited to be
Staveley has announced her plan to appeal the legal decision. What’s more, her net worth is far north of the fee she has been ordered to pay, so if her appeal fails, it seems she should be able to rectify the situation anyway.
It’s not the first time Staveley has faced legal trouble during her time as Newcastle’s managing director. Indeed, she remains in two legal battles with former Magpies owner Mike Ashley.
Those relate to disputes about the club’s kit sponsorship deal, as well as a £10million loan which was provided during the takeover process.
READ MORE: Man City expulsion: How the City-less Premier League table would look, with Arsenal slipping
Transfer trouble for Leeds with ‘no way’ to stop Farke favourite’s inevitable €40m exit
Crysencio Summerville is on a trajectory that will see him snapped up by an elite club in the summer, with Leeds United and Daniel Farke having “no way” of stopping his inevitable Elland Road exit.
That is the view of a respected Dutch reporter, who believes the winger should cost “around €40million” amid interest from Chelsea.
READ MORE: The Champions League chasing side Leeds United could have had if Marcelo Bielsa landed his top targets
The 22-year-old’s crucial contributions have helped fire Leeds to the top of the Championship, with the Whites currently top of the table – ahead of Leicester City on goal difference and a point in front of third-placed Ipswich Town – with eight matches of the regular season remaining.
Summerville’s performances have seen him linked with a move away from Leeds, with TEAMtalk exclusively reporting earlier this month that the winger has emerged as a potential target for Chelsea, whose scouts have kept a close eye on his development this season.Related video: Leeds United's continued rise and Huddersfield Town's need to avoid falling down with Rotherham United - The Yorkshire Post FootballTalk Podcast (Dailymotion)
Although Summerville is believed to be happy at Leeds, having committed to staying at the club in the aftermath of relegation last May amid interest from Burnley, TEAMtalk sources have suggested there is a good chance that he could leave this summer if a top club comes calling.
Poised to enter the final two years of his current contract in the summer, Summerville is nearing a delicate stage of his Leeds career.
READ MORE: Weston McKennie: The rebirth of the Juventus star, why Man Utd now want to sign him and the truths around his Leeds struggles
And Suleyman Ozturk, the editor of Dutch football magazine Voetbal International, believes it is inevitable that Summerville will be at a top club as soon as next season having “developed fantastically” with Leeds in the Championship.
He said: “He is one of the best forwards in the Championship. From next season we will see him at a top club.
“He is going to make a transfer, there is no other way.
“I would like to see him at a higher level. He has developed fantastically over the past six months. He is fast and good on the outside, but also as a number ten.
“I think he should cost around €40m.”
READ MORE: Archie Gray: Why Leeds United have a future £100m player on their hands
Leeds’ hopes of hanging on to Summerville – as well as other key players including Georginio Rutter, Wilfried Gnonto and Illan Meslier – are likely to hinge on the club’s ability to regain their Premier League status at the first time of asking.
There is a widespread acceptance that second season in the Championship would force Farke to sell some of his stars to ensure Leeds remain within the limits of the EFL’s financial rules.
Summerville arrived at Leeds from Feyenoord as an 18-year-old in the summer of 2020, bursting on to the scene last season by scoring an 89th-minute winner over Liverpool – famously the only Premier League game Virgil van Dijk has lost at Anfield since arriving at Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018.
Summerville followed that up seven days later with another late winner to cap Leeds’ remarkable 4-3 comeback against Bournemouth before emerging as Farke’s most important player in the Championship this season.
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