Aston Villa tell agents they're ready to sell Emery favourite in next 2 days

Aston Villa only have a limited time to raise funds in their battle to avoid PSR sanctions, with the footballing financial deadline for 2024/2025 looming on June 30.

£120k-a-week Aston Villa outfielder has now opened talks to join elite club

He could leave with Emiliano Martinez.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2025

Unai Emery’s side can only register a loss of around £15 million for the year just gone, according to a recent report by The Athletic, with Premier League clubs only permitted losses of around £105m over a rolling three-year period.

Villa are forecast to be over this limit as things stand, prompting NSWE to explore the possibility of selling their women’s team in a bid to comply with PSR and swerve breaches.

Emery falling just short of qualifying for the Champions League at the end of 24/25 cost them dearly both on and off the field, and there is every possibility that Villa could look to secure a big-name exit in the next two days to raise funds.

Their marquee sales of Jhon Duran and Moussa Diaby to Saudi Arabia have really helped in this regard, but they could require at least one more as the PSR deadline looms.

Atletico Madrid held talks with Lucas Digne over a switch to La Liga recently, according to Football Insider, and the 52-cap Frenchman, with just one year remaining on his £120,000-per-week contract, could be a prime contender for the exit door.

Lucas Digne against Man City for Aston Villa.

Emiliano Martínez, Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana are other players named as potential candidates to leave, while clubs are expressing a serious interest in Villa sensation Morgan Rogers as well.

The clock is ticking for Villa to agree a significant departure, and they could be handed a chance to make some money off Kosta Nedeljkovic’s talks to join RB Leipzig permanently (Sky Germany).

However, according to journalist Wayne Veysey, Villa have also alerted representatives to their stance over selling star striker Ollie Watkins.

Aston Villa tell agents they're ready to sell Ollie Watkins

Emery’s side rejected a low-ball £40 million bid from Arsenal for Watkins in January, but the Gunners haven’t followed that up with any formal approach so far this summer.

Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins in action with Club Brugge's JoelOrdonez

Writing for Football Insider, Veysey states Villa have told “senior agents” that they’re ready to sell Watkins by Monday, but they’re yet to find a buyer for the talismanic forward, who bagged 17 goals and 14 assists in all competitions last term.

The 29-year-old, who’ll turn 30 in December, also became the club’s all-time top Premier League goalscorer at the back end of 24/25, surpassing Gabriel Agbonlahor, but Villa have apparently made it clear they’re willing to do a deal.

Emery may not be a fan of this decision, or supporters for that matter, considering they already let Duran go earlier this year – and it would be an almighty task to replace Watkins’ influence up front.

“He deserves it completely because he is a hard worker,” said Emery about Watkins, after the ex-Brentford star broke Agbonlahor’s Premier League goalscoring record for Villa.

“He is committed with Aston Villa. His courage has been fantastic and to achieve it is very fantastic. I am so, so grateful to have a player like him.”

He's a dream Isak alternative: Liverpool exploring move for £160m forward

FSG’s transfer ethos – getting their work done nice and early – often leaves Liverpool somewhat in the corner of the room while rivals party late into the market, enjoying the thrill of Fabrizio Romano and the rest’s transfer updates.

There are worse problems to have, it must be said. And the real success is found on the field. Liverpool are on the verge of signing Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez, having already added Jeremie Frimpong.

Now, it’s time to sign a centre-forward, for Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota left plenty to be desired as Arne Slot’s focal frontmen last season, actually paling in comparison to Liverpool’s wider forward.

Mohamed Salah

38 (38)

29

18

Luis Diaz

36 (28)

13

7

Cody Gakpo

35 (23)

10

5

Diogo Jota

26 (14)

6

4

Darwin Nunez

30 (8)

5

3

Federico Chiesa

6 (1)

0

0

Luis Diaz was even called into play as a makeshift number nine for much of the campaign, his false-nine-type qualities proving invaluable for the Reds as they marched toward the Premier League title.

Who, then, to sign? Targets like Hugo Ekitike, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen would all do a job, but Alexander Isak is the cream of the crop, and sporting director Richard Hughes would rake in the plaudits if he got that one over the line.

The latest on Alexander Isak to Liverpool

It’s pretty clear Liverpool will sign a striker this summer. However, who that player might be is less certain. Liverpool can dream, though, and signing Isak would be an incredible way to cap off a wonderful summer.

As per transfer insider Ben Jacobs for GIVEMESPORT, Liverpool are prepared to break the British transfer record to sign Isak this summer, with Newcastle United valuing their striker at over £150m.

The “unstoppable” Isak, hailed by pundit Ally McCoist as “the best out-and-out forward in the league”, was outscored only by Mohamed Salah in the Premier League last season, his 23-goal return illustrating his elite ability.

However, Newcastle’s position on their talisman’s unavailability has been absolute (insofar as any stance can be absolute in the transfer market). Liverpool can dream, and it appears they will try, but don’t hold your breath.

Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal

Luckily, Liverpool are one of the most astute transfer operators, and they’ve already lined up the perfect alternative.

Liverpool line up Isak alternative

As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool have sounded out a potential move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez this summer, and while the La Liga side would be looking for an unrealistic £160m figure, Anfield hold a trump card.

Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez

Indeed, Diego Simeone is interested in bringing Nunez to the Wanda Metropolitano this summer, and previous reports even suggest personal terms have been agreed for around a month. As a result, TEAMtalk suggest that a swap deal is an avenue they are exploring this summer.

This would no doubt be a difficult one to get over the line, but Liverpool’s interest is long-standing and the Argentina forward would be perfect for Slot’s system.

Why Julian Alvarez would be perfect

Alvarez had been tracked by Liverpool during his time at Manchester City, where he scored 36 goals and laid on 19 assists across two trophy-laden campaigns, earning an £81.5m transfer to Atletico Madrid last summer.

His first term in Spain was his finest yet, posting 29 goals and seven assists across 55 matches, blending newfound potency with his robust and dynamic attacking style. Making a direct comment on his exploits in Spain, journalist Roy Nemer even described the player as “the best forward in the world.”

As per FBref, he ranked among the top 6% of strikers across Europe last year for passes attempted, shot-creating actions and progressive carries, the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90.

Already something of a nomad, the 25-year-old has demonstrated continual development and would now prove the perfect alternative to Isak, who is actually considered by the data-driven site as being one of Alvarez’s most comparable players.

River Plate

122

54

31

Manchester City

103

36

19

Atletico Madrid

53

29

6

Argentina

44

12

33

Liverpool need a new goalscorer to perch at the front of their ship, but they also need a centre-forward who will play with flair and bring the attacking players together.

One of the Merseysiders’ attacking staples is that when the frontline clicks, they perform in concert, effectively unplayable. Isak aligns perfectly in this regard, but Alvarez too could dovetail into Slot’s set-up and provide a higher level of goalscoring threat while using his technical skills and off-the-ball intelligence to open up a new dimension.

Isak’s completeness is echoed by Alvarez, but the roots of the South American’s style are shaped by a natural quality in front of goal. As per Sofascore, he only missed seven big chances in La Liga last season, scoring 17 goals and creating nine big chances too.

And this isn’t a simple anomaly. Across his two campaigns in the Premier League, the 2022 World Cup winner scored 20 goals from 44 starts, only missing 14 big chances.

It’s pretty clear he’d prove an upgrade on Nunez, and while Isak is FSG’s first-choice pick, Alvarez might just be the perfect fallback if ambitious efforts to bring Isak over from St. James’ Park don’t pull through.

The winds of change are blowing at Anfield, all right, but there’s more still to come for the Premier League champions, who are packaging a proven squad with exciting additions who might just solidify Slot’s early success, shaping it into a dynasty.

Huijsen was better: How Spanish media rated Trent's first game post-Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold made his debut for Real Madrid in the Club World Cup.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 19, 2025

Forward or back: which way for Sri Lanka on shaky ground?

They are low on confidence, their ODI form has hit a terrible trough, and on Tuesday they travel to a bogey venue to meet fearless opponents who have little to lose

Sharda Ugra at Sophia Gardens03-Jun-20193:16

Dilshan wants Mathews to bat at No. 4

If the Sri Lankans had to pick a ground in the UK where the grace of the gods and good fortune would fall their way, Cardiff would not be it. Not only have Sri Lanka lost every one of the six matches – one Test and five ODIs – they have played at Sophia Gardens, the results have been dire. Be it the 136 all out to New Zealand two days ago in their world cup opener, losing a spot in the Champions Trophy final to India in 2013, or a second-innings collapse from hell.In this World Cup squad, Thisara Perera and Suranga Lakmal are survivors of the epic high-speed meltdown of 2011, when Sri Lanka, left to bat for no more than a session and a bit, caved in for 82 in 24.4 overs.It is not the kind of record to be reminded of when trying to get a foothold in the World Cup after an opening fixture that had them get booed off the ground. Cardiff is not the kind of place Sri Lanka produce their best, except on Tuesday they have no choice. Given a tongue-lashing in Sinhala by Lasith Malinga, demanding that the team take the loss against New Zealand personally, and their confidence at a low ebb, it is perhaps unreasonable that Sri Lanka find themselves in the squeaky-bum seat after one defeat in a long competition.Lasith Malinga in action in Sri Lanka’s World Cup opener against New Zealand•Getty ImagesBut it is Sri Lanka’s poor ODI form in the run-up to the 2019 World Cup that has their opponents unafraid to diss them. Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib saying cheekily, “one-two years Sri Lanka have been struggling in one-day matches, we have the opportunity to do well against them. If we played 50 overs in batting maybe we will beat them.” He did respectfully add, “But they are also a good team, Sri Lanka, we cannot take easy.”Sri Lanka know that their best chances lie in a full 100-overs game, actually, because should weather forecasts of regular rain on Tuesday come true, Afghanistan’s heavier hitters stand a better chance than their own under-confident line-up.Confidence is an ephemeral thing and the lack of it, says Ashantha de Mel, chief selector and also Sri Lanka’s team manager at the World Cup, can also permeate across decision-making. De Mel pointed out that while he was involved in picking the XI in the match against New Zealand, he stayed away from what followed. “It is not my area, not under my purview… but we underperformed. Looking from outside, from layman’s point of view… they look a little low in confidence… they are tentative, caught in two minds.”De Mel was speaking to ESPNcricinfo and when asked about the much-criticised choice of having Angelo Mathews move down the order from No. 5 to No. 6, said it came from a decision not to expose Mathews to the New Zealand seamers, having lost three wickets in the first 10 overs. “It could have worked, it might not have worked… If you are in confidence (sic) you won’t make that kind of call… my point in telling you low in confidence is in telling you when they sent another guy in, because they were not sure. But if you are sure you will go in and take the brunt… when you are low in confidence you always try to take the safer route instead of taking the bull by the horns and being up front.”The Sri Lanka batsmen struggled against the short-pitched stuff•Getty ImagesMathews he said had played 200 games, and had “much more experience than the guys who went [in his place]… That I am just saying that is one of the reasons I feel they are low in confidence… when you are trying to move the batting like that you are not sure of yourself.” Sri Lanka’s problem was not one of ability, he was sure, it was one of a mindset into which they had slunk. “We had a bad game, we understand that, meaning it was really bad, I don’t want to look back, I’m telling our team to look forward… our focus now is to beat Afghanistan.”While de Mel spoke of forgetting the past and moving ahead, Malinga threw an entire basin-full of guilt and mortification at his teammates – only when asked questions in Sinhala. “When a game starts, it doesn’t matter that they are the number one or number ten in the ICC rankings because the scorecard reads zero without any wickets or runs.” The defeat against Afghanistan at the 2018 Asia Cup, he said, had to matter, “We can’t go to that match without thinking about that loss. Each player must realise how to approach such a game. Therefore a 50-over game or a shortened game due to rain, we must adopt to those situations because it’s a must-win for us tomorrow.”To imagine that a team that has made three World Cup finals, winning one, and the semi-finals in 2003 (plus three World T20 finals in the last decade), must teeter nervously against a team that only became an ICC member in 2001, is beyond the pale for a proud cricketing country and its fans. The question of every man’s internal confidence or his skill deficit became secondary – Malinga’s address to his teammates was almost biblical.”We can’t repeat the same mistakes over and over. As a senior player and as a member of the squad, I hope everyone will have that fear of not doing their duty and shame of losing. Everyone must realize that it’s a must that they perform because if not our cricket would not go forward.”Forward or back? That’s the damn problem with being tentative. On Tuesday, Sri Lanka will decide what step they will take.

Fogos, fumaça e muito apoio: torcida do São Paulo faz recepção histórica antes de decisão contra o Corinthians

MatériaMais Notícias

da bwin: Horas antes da partida decisiva pela Copa do Brasil e o clássico contra o Corinthians mais importante do ano, a torcida do São Paulo já estava em um ritmo caloroso e frenético de festa.

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da 888casino: Perto das 15h (de Brasília), os arredores do estádio tricolor já estavam extremamente movimentados. Com pessoas de todas as idades, a festa com os fogos começou cedo. Mas o grande destaque foi para a preparação para receber o ônibus da delegação são-paulina, que chegou quando eram aproximadamente 18h (de Brasília). Vale destacar que a bola rolaria somente uma hora e meia depois.

+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Tricolor com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

Com expectativa de mais de 62 mil ingressos vendidos, os torcedores faziam de tudo para conseguir se preparar para a recepção do São Paulo. Haviam pessoas em cima de placas, árvores, nas grades do estádio… Por onde se olhasse, existiam torcedores com o manto tricolor.

Quanto as músicas, desde as tradicionais das organizadas do time até mesmo cantos provocativos destinados para o Corinthians. Minutos antes do ônibus são-paulino, o “Telezão”, chegar, a festa intensificou com sinalizadores, fumaças vermelhas e fogos de artifício. Um corredor foi organizado com bandeiras e cantos estrondosos. Sem dúvidas, umas das festas mais bonitas dos últimos tempos e das últimas decisões, podendo ser considerada até mesmo histórica.

Dentro do Morumbi, a torcida já começou a ovacionar desde os primeiros gestos dos goleiros no aquecimento. Quando a delegação rival subiu para aquecer, os cantos de provocação voltaram mais uma vez. Para o São Paulo se classificar, precisa reverter a derrota sofrida no jogo de ida.

The dream Firpo replacement: Leeds plotting move for "phenomenal" £17m star

Leeds United have the opportunity to cement their place in the Premier League next season, ending their two-year exile from the top-flight after promotion from the Championship.

The Whites will need to invest heavily in the playing squad to hand Daniel Farke the chance to consolidate next year, in what’s likely to be an extremely difficult campaign.

The last six teams who have achieved promotion to such a division have all been relegated the following year, with the German aiming to be the man to buck such a trend.

Daniel Farke

However, if he is to achieve such a feat, he will need to be brutal with his squad, cutting players out and signing top-level talents to boost his ambitions of achieving his goal.

With the summer window rapidly approaching, the manager and the hierarchy have already wasted no time in identifying players who could bolster the side at Elland Road.

Leeds’ pursuit of new signings this summer

Even though the transfer window isn’t officially open yet, Leeds have already made moves for multiple players to try and provide needed talent and depth to key areas of the squad.

It was reported in recent days that they had made contact to sign Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters this summer, with the 28-year-old’s deal at St Mary’s set to expire at the end of June.

Southampton'sKyleWalker-Petersapplauds their fans after the match

However, the opposite side of the pitch has also been one of interest, with the Whites earmarking Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas as a summer target, according to the Daily Mail.

The report claims that the Reds are open to allowing the 29-year-old Greek international to depart this summer, potentially moving in a double deal with goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher during the off-season.

It also states that he may want to leave Anfield this summer to gain valuable first-team minutes elsewhere after starting just eight league games under Arne Slot in 2024/25.

Why Leeds’ target would be the dream Firpo replacement

Junior Firpo has set the Championship alight this campaign, playing a vital role at both ends of the pitch in the club’s success and ability to claim promotion.

The Dominican international featured in 32 league matches this season, registering 14 combined goals and assists, a simply staggering tally for a left-back.

However, the 28-year-old’s future looks up in the air this summer, with his contract set to expire at the end of June, with no new deal appearing on the horizon.

He’s since been touted with a return to former club Real Betis this summer, which could see his four-year spell in Yorkshire conclude in the coming weeks.

However, whilst supporters would be devastated, they shouldn’t worry, with a deal for the £17m-rated Tsimikas allowing them to forget about the departing full-back.

When comparing the pair’s respective figures from the recent campaign, the Liverpool star has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas – offering Farke the added quality he’s been searching for in the defensive department.

The Greek star, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one journalist, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has registered more progressive passes and more passes into the final third – highlighting the threat he poses with the ball at his feet.

Games played

18

32

Goals & assists

1

14

Progressive passes

8.6

5.4

Shot-on-target accuracy

50%

35%

Pass accuracy

84%

80%

Passes into the final third

4.9

6.5

Tackles won

2.2

1.1

Interceptions made

1.3

1.2

He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted and registered a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – still handing Farke an excellent attacking option.

However, defensively, Tsimikas has dominated, winning more tackles per 90 and making more interceptions – offering added defensive quality to a backline which will come under huge pressure in the Premier League.

Any deal for the Liverpool ace would be one that could allow for an excellent option at full-back for the manager, also offering him the needed top-flight experience within the squad.

Whilst a new deal for Firpo is something which most supporters want, the 29-year-old offers a superb alternative should the Dominican depart Elland Road this summer.

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América-MG x Corinthians: onde assistir ao vivo, horário e escalações do jogo de hoje pela Copa do Brasil

MatériaMais Notícias

da marjack bet: Em situações delicadas no Campeonato Brasileiro, onde brigam para fugir da zona do rebaixamento, América-MG e Corinthians têm no mata-mata um alento. Nas quartas de final do torneio, as suas equipes se enfrentam nesta quarta-feira (5), pelo confronto de ida, em Belo Horizonte. Portanto, sabia onde assistir América x Corinthians pela Copa do Brasil, além das prováveis escalações, arbitragem e outras informações.

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da stake casino: Após eliminarem Internacional e Atlético-MG, respectivamente, Coelho e Timão têm no mata-mata a possibilidade de ser campeão nesta temporada. Ambos estão mal no Brasileirão e, por isso, podem apostar todas as fichas na Copa do Brasil.

Do lado americano, o técnico Vagner Mancini terá o atacante Everaldo, que já vestiu a camisa corintiana. Já pelo Timão, a grande novidade é Renato Augusto, recuperado de uma lesão na panturrilha e que viajou para Belo Horizonte. Recém-contratado, o argentino Matías Rojas também está na capital mineira, mas aguarda a situação contratual para ser registrado pelo Timão.

continua após a publicidade

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AMÉRICA-MG X CORINTHIANS
COPA DO BRASIL – QUARTAS DE FINAL – JOGO DE IDA

Local:Arena Independência, Belo Horizonte (MG)
Data e hora:5 de julho de 2023, às 21h30 (horário de Brasília)
Árbitro:Leandro Pedro Vuaden (RS)
Assistentes:Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Correia (FIFA/RJ) e Kleber Lucio Gil (SC)
Árbitro de vídeo:Wagner Reway (VAR-FIFA/PB)
Onde assistir:Globo (para São Paulo e Minas Gerais, exceto Juiz de Fora), SporTV, Premiere e Prime Vídeo (para todo o Brasil)

AMÉRICA-MG

Matheus Pasinato; Marcinho, Éder, Maidana e Danilo Avelar; Lucas Kal, Breno e Emmanuel Martínez; Felipe Azevedo (Rodrigo Varanda), Everaldo e Gonzalo Mastriani (Aloísio). Técnico: Vagner Mancini.

Desfalques: Ricardo Silva, Matheusinho, Adyson, Dadá Belmonte e Luan Campos (lesionados)
Pendurados: Alê, Emmanuel Martínez e Everaldo

CORINTHIANS

Cássio; Bruno Méndez, Gil, Murillo e Matheus Bidu; Roni (Fausto Vera), Maycon, Ruan Oliveira (Renato Augusto) e Guilherme Biro; Róger Guedes e Yuri Alberto.Técnico: Vanderlei Luxemburgo.

Desfalques: Chrystian Barletta e Ángel Romero (processo de transição física)
Pendurados: Fábio Santos e Matheus Bidu

Tudo sobre

América-MGCopa do BrasilCorinthians

Farke has found Leeds' new Pablo Hernandez & it's not Aaronson

Leeds United is currently the home to various talents who have made their names across Europe before moving to Elland Road over the last couple of seasons.

Brenden Aaronson is just one player who cost big money to secure a move for his signature, costing a fee in the region of £25m during their final season in the Premier League back in 2022/23.

The American has so far failed to demonstrate why the hierarchy forked out such a hefty fee for his signature, struggling to make a real impact under Daniel Farke in recent weeks.

Whilst he scored the opener against Swansea City last weekend, it was only his second goal contribution of the calendar year, struggling to produce any tangible results in their hunt for Championship promotion.

He’s since been unable to match the levels produced by one player who starred in Yorkshire after his own transfer from the Swans multiple years ago.

Pablo Hernandez’s stats for Leeds United

Over the years, Leeds has been the home to countless icons, with Pablo Hernandez undoubtedly cementing himself as a modern-day hero for his heroics at Elland Road.

The Spaniard originally moved on loan from Swansea back in 2016/17, before joining permanently in the January of that campaign after impressing in the first half of the season.

Former Leeds winger Pablo Hernandez.

Such a move would be the springboard for his success with the Whites, with Hernandez going on to register 36 goals and 41 assists from 175 outings, helping the club lift the Championship title at the close of the 2019/20 campaign.

He was a pivotal part of Marcelo Bielsa’s side that season, remaining a key member of the squad the following year as the club ended their long wait for Premier League football.

Whilst he left the club back in 2021, current boss Farke already has his own version of the fan-favourite, playing a vital role in their own ambitions of returning to the top flight.

The player who’s become Farke’s own Hernandez at Leeds

The plethora of attacking talent on the books at Leeds has contributed to their phenomenal attacking record, which has seen them score 78 times in the league this season – by far the highest tally in the division.

Joel Piroe has been central to such a record, netting 15 league goals to date, a tally which is the highest within the current first-team squad – producing key goals at various moments.

The Dutchman arrived in a £10m deal from Swansea back in the summer of 2023, following in Hernandez’s footsteps in joining from the Welsh outfit and having an immediate impact in Yorkshire.

The similarities to Hernandez continue, with the 25-year-old also able to feature in the number ten role, as seen in certain matches this season, with the “superb” star, as dubbed by one analyst, key to the club’s recent success.

During his final Championship campaign in Yorkshire, the Spaniard notched a total of 18 combined goals and assists back in 2019/20 – cementing himself as a key member of Bielsa’s squad.

Piroe has already registered a combined 21 contributions with seven matches remaining this campaign, with any hope of securing promotion potentially down to whether he can continue to produce the goods in the final third.

Combined goals & assists from Leeds attackers in the Championship (2024/25)

Player

Tally

Joel Piroe

21

Daniel James

19

Manor Solomon

14

Brenden Aaronson

11

Wilfried Gnonto

11

Mateo Joseph

6

Largie Ramazani

6

Stats via FotMob

He’s been subject to criticism in recent times, but it’s safe to say the club wouldn’t be in this current position without his goals, certainly playing a key role in their promotion ambitions.

Whilst it’s unclear whether he will be able to cut it in the Premier League, Piroe has a huge job to catapult the side into the top flight between now and the end of the season.

His goals could provide the difference over the next couple of weeks, with the Dutchman able to cement his place in the Whites’ history books should he produce the goods and fire them back to England’s top-division.

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Ipswich Town "monster" open to Portman Road exit as big clubs make contact

An Ipswich Town “monster” looks to be interested in leaving Portman Road this summer after two big clubs made new approaches.

Ipswich Town relegation on the cards despite Chelsea draw

The Tractor Boys look to be on course for an immediate return to the Championship from the Premier League despite holding Chelsea to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Kieran McKenna’s side actually went into half time 2-0 up after goals from Julio Enciso and Ben Johnson, however, an Axel Tuanzebe own goal and a Jadon Sancho equaliser late on ensured the points would be shared.

Ipswich are now 14 points away from safety with just six games remaining, meaning their relegation could be confirmed this weekend if results don’t go their way.

Talking after the draw, McKenna said: “I thought it was a really good game. Really proud of the group again. First half was difficult and our resilience was really good. Second half we played well, really even. It was a big blow them getting a goal so early in second half. It took an incredible strike from Sancho off the bench. We gave everything and showed our quality.”

Relegation could result in a number of Portman Road exits, and one star who looks destined to leave is Liam Delap.

Romano: Ipswich Town eyeing move to sign "fast" new Liam Delap replacement

He’s currently in the Championship.

ByCharlie Smith Apr 11, 2025

It has been claimed that if Ipswich drop down to the Championship, his release clause will lower from £40m to £30m, and some big clubs are making moves for his services.

Liam Delap open to Ipswich Town exit to sign for Chelsea

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Chelsea and Man Utd have been making new approaches to sign Delap from Ipswich in recent weeks.

The striker is a top target for the Red Devils, however, it is added that Delap is interested in leaving Ipswich for Champions League football, something Chelsea may be able to offer ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Liam Delap

Delap has scored 12 top flight goals this season and has been praised on multiple occasions this season, including from teammate Alex Palmer, who called the forward a “monster”.

“You look at him and he’s a monster. He’s a young lad that’s got the enthusiasm and energy – and also the talent. So for us to have him and him be playing as well as he is at the moment, he’s going to have a big part to play the rest of the season.

“He’s a proper striker, and I think for us as well he’s an outlet. He’s a big physical boy. He’s not huge but he’s got that raw strength. Even build up, he helps us stick and set, so he’s not just a goal scorer. He’s an all-round striker.”

Games

34

Goals

12

Assists

2

Yellow cards

10

Minutes played

2,422

Unfortuantely, it looks as if Delap’s days as an Ipswich player are numbered, so his next move could be one to keep an eye on, should the Tractor Boys go down in the coming weeks.

Hampshire sign Ottniel Baartman for six Vitality T20 Blast games

South Africa seamer replaces Naveen-ul-Haq for second half of group stage

ESPNcricinfo staff21-May-2024Hampshire have signed Ottniel Baartman, the South Africa seamer, for the second half of their Vitality Blast campaign. Baartman replaces Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq, who has pulled out for personal reasons.Baartman, 31, has yet to be capped by his country but was named in South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad and could make his debut in their series in the West Indies starting later this week. He played under Adi Birrell, Hampshire’s head coach, for back-to-back SA20 champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape, where he was also a team-mate of Liam Dawson.”I’m really looking forward to joining up with Hampshire Hawks for my first experience of county cricket,” Baartman said, “it’s great to link back up with Adi Birrell and Liam Dawson who I know well from the SA20. I’ve heard great things about the atmosphere at Utilita Bowl and I can’t wait to get playing in front of the Hawks fans this summer.”Related

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Baartman will take over from Michael Neser, who has signed for the first eight Blast group games, joining Ben McDermott among Hampshire’s overseas options. He will be available for six fixtures in July, starting with the trip to Middlesex, as well as the knockout stages in September if Hampshire progress.Giles White, Hampshire’s director of cricket, said: “It’s a great boost to the squad that Ottniel is available and keen to join us after the World Cup. He fits the role perfectly and comes off the back of an outstanding domestic summer in South Africa.”

Liverpool in new talks to sign £40m top target who's keen on Man Utd move

da bwin: Liverpool have recently made a new approach to sign a £40m star who is open to the idea of moving to rivals Manchester United.

Liverpool close to new Salah and Van Dijk deals in boost for Slot

da brwin: The Reds are on course to win the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first season at Anfield, however, a lot of the talk at Anfield has been on the futures of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

Alexander-Arnold looks likely to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, although Liverpool have seemingly made progress on keeping both Van Dijk and Salah on Merseyside.

Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah

Reliable reporter David Ornstein of The Athletic has recently claimed both Van Dijk and Salah are “on the brink of signing two-year extensions” at Liverpool.

“Resolving contract situations regarding key personnel was one of the biggest challenges Richard Hughes inherited when he started work as Liverpool sporting director just over a year ago.

“It’s been a long road but with Salah and Van Dijk on the brink of signing two-year extensions, it will provide the perfect boost for Arne Slot’s side as they close in on being crowned Premier League champions. There has always been confidence internally at Anfield that the duo would stay put.”

£70m PL star wants to sign for Liverpool & he'd be a better move than Isak

Liverpool may decide to make a move for a player who would be a better addition than Alexander Isak.

1 ByEthan Lamb Apr 9, 2025

There could still be more Anfield departures alongside Alexander-Arnold, though, with Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota both linked with exits.

Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap has been mooted as a potential attacking addition ahead of Slot’s second season, and a new update has now emerged over a move for the former Manchester City youngster.

Liverpool make new approach for Ipswich star Delap

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have made a new approach over a deal for Delap in recent days. The Reds, alongside Chelsea, are keen to get ahead in the race to sign Delap, who has a £40m release clause in his contract. However, should Ipswich suffer relegation, that figure would drop to £30m.

Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapapplauds fans after the match

Man Utd are also keen on signing Delap, and the forward is interested in the idea of moving to Old Trafford ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Liverpool see Delap as a top target, though, and he actually shares the same CAA Stellar agency as Reds defender Ibrahima Konate. The 22-year-old has been a shining light for the Tractor Boys this season, scoring an impressive 12 goals in 30 Premier League games.

Delap’s next destination could be one of the transfer sagas of the summer, and by the looks of things, Liverpool and FSG are keen to win the race following this new update.

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