Roma demanded a fee of £39m but Liverpool are hopeful of a compromise

Liverpool close to agreeing £35m fee with Roma to sign Mohamed Salah                                                                        Liverpool are closing on an agreement over the £35million transfer of Mohamed Salah from Roma. 

The clubs have been discussing the structure of the transfer with Roma initially demanding £39m. 

Liverpool hope to strike a compromise with around £5million in add-ons being part of the deal. Salah, who turned 25, last week, scored 19 goals for Roma last season and has already privately expressed his desire to join Liverpool.

The Egypt international almost moved to Anfield in January 2014 from Basel but ended up signing for Premier League rivals Chelsea.

He struggled to make a lasting impression at Stamford Bridge and the following January, joined Fiorentina on loan.

Roma then signed him on a season-long loan in the summer of 2015 before taking him on permanent terms a year later.

                                                                                            Roma need to sell players by June 30 to stay within Financial Fair Play parameters and that could play into Liverpool's hands.

Russia cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win over New Zealand as the hosts made a confident start to the Confederations Cup.

Russia cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win over New Zealand as the hosts made a confident start to the Confederations Cup.                                                               Three of the previous nine Confederations Cups have been won by the host nation and Russia, playing in the tournament for the first time, impressed with victory in Saint Petersburg.

After having two early chances cleared off the line, they took the lead when Michael Boxall scored an own goal after Denis Glushakov had struck the post.

Russia made sure of victory in the second half, with Fyodor Smolov's third goal in four internationals ensuring president Vladimir Putin, who called for improved performances in the event, was applauding happily in the stands.

New Zealand are now without a win in 10 Confederations Cup matches and struggled to make an attacking impression.

Portugal and Mexico, who meet on Sunday, are the other two teams in Group A.

Russia made a rapid start, with Aleksandr Golovin having a drive unconvincingly dealt with by New Zealand goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic, before the hosts were twice denied by goal-line clearances.                                                                                          half, before Marinovic made a key double save at the other end - keeping out Poloz's powerful header and Aleksandr Erokhin's follow-up from close range.

Chile face Cameroon on Sunday in their opening Confederations Cup match

                                                                                         Alexis Sanchez is set to miss Chile's Confederations Cup opener against Cameroon on Sunday, although the Copa America winners will give the Arsenal star every opportunity to recover from an ankle injury.

Sanchez skipped training prior to the clash with the African champions in Moscow and is unlikely to start Chile's first game of the tournament.

Tiote Body finally Arrived Home. ell-wishers pay their respects to the coffin draped with a flag of the Ivory Coast

                                                                                          Cheick Tiote hadn't been in China that long - a few months - so he must have had a medical to complete the transfer. Was nothing picked up in that medical?

'Is anything actually being done? Is it being looked into? We need to nail it down and get to the bottom of why and what it is, because it seems to be happening to more and more professional footballers.

Chelsea have seen a £55.2million bid rejected by Juventus for left back Alex Sandro

Juventus reject Chelsea's £55.2m bid for Alex Sandro.                                                   The Italian champions are reluctant to sell but they recognise the opportunity to make a healthy profit on the 26-year-old who was signed from Porto two years ago for £23m.

Sandro, who has been on international duty with Brazil in Australia, has emerged as one of Antonio Conte's top targets as he tries generate a summer recruitment drive with the Champions League in mind.                                                                                                                                                                          Chelsea have seen a bid of £55.2million for Alex Sandro rejected by Juventus but the Brazilian left back has been told the club will not stand in his way if he makes it clear to them wants to move.

Chelsea's hierarchy are unhappy with Antonio Conte's treatment of Diego Costa

• Chelsea's hierarchy are unhappy with Antonio Conte's treatment of Diego Costa           
  Conte is understood to be frustrated by the club’s apparent hesitancy in pursuing players like Dries Mertens, Virgil van Dijk, Alvaro Morata, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Belotti, the club hierarchy are suspicious that in the background the Italian’s unofficial agent is trying to set up deals without their knowledge.
  Federico Pastorello, the Italian middle-man who represents Conte, is believed to have approached clubs and players wanted by his client in the hope that he can create enough momentum to make something happen. Again, however, this is viewed as unwanted interference by Chelsea and it is creating a power struggle that Conte cannot possibly win.
      Antonio Conte's public fall-out with Diego Costa has put his future as Chelsea manager in serious doubt.
  No firm decision has yet been made but Sportsmail understands senior figures at Stamford Bridge are so unhappy with Conte telling their popular striker by text message he is not wanted that they have discussed the astonishing possibility of sacking the Italian. 
  Even by Chelsea’s standards it would be an extraordinary move. Owner Roman Abramovich dismissed Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti after successful spells at the club, while Chelsea’s only Champions League win was not enough to keep Roberto Di Matteo in a job.                                                                                                                                                                                                     Conte has experienced no such decline in fortunes, the Italian earning the affection of the club’s fans not only by turning a team that finished 10th in the previous Premier League campaign into champions but with the passion he displays on the touchline.
  

Victor Valdes gets married and his ex-Barcelona team-mates Xavi, Carles Puyol and Samuel Eto'o attend

Visitors to the Santuario de Santa Maria de Montserrat de Pedralbes church included the likes of Xavi, Carles Puyol, Seydou Keita and Samuel Eto'o.                                                                                                                    Puyol and Keita took a selfie which the former defender uploaded to his Instagram page on Friday afternoon. 

Should Spain reach the final Bellerin's donation could reach £22,500

Arsenal star Hector Bellerin pledges support to Grenfell Tower victims with £50 for every minute he plays                                                             Bellerin is regular starter at full-back for Spain's Under 21 side and just playing every minute of their group three games at the tournament in Poland would see his donation reach £13,500. Arsenal star Hector Bellerin has shown solidarity with the victims of the tragic Grenfell Tower fire by vowing to donate £50 for every minute he plays at the European Under 21 Championships to help support them.

The death toll caused by the tower block fire in the north Kensington currently stands at 30 with as many as 76 people still missing. The tragedy has moved thousands to donate money and items to help victims. 

As revealed in a post on his Instagram account Bellerin has joined them and called on others to do so too. Posted alongside a picture featuring messages of goodwill to victims of the tragedy, Bellerin wrote: 'For every minute I play in #U21EURO I'll donate £50 to help Grenfell Tower victims. Please support in any way you can'.

The Red Devils are on the verge of agreeing a transfer fee with the European champions for the transfer of the Spanish striker

                                                                                     Manchester United are on the verge of agreeing a deal to sign Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata.
The club have had an agreement in principal in place with the player and his representatives for some time, but talks between the clubs have dragged on with the two parties having begun negotiations over a transfer fee some distance apart.United are now confident of finalising a deal with Madrid in the coming days, with the clubs agreeing to compromise on their valuations of Morata in order for a deal to be pushed through.

Cheick Tiote memorial service held in Beijing as former Newcastle United team-mate Papiss Cisse breaks into tears while paying tribute

Cheick Tiote memorial service held in Beijing as former Newcastle United team-mate Papiss Cisse breaks into tears while paying tribute

The 30-year-old's body will be flown back to Ivory Coast on Wednesday before a private funeral service is held.

Members of his family, as well as his agent Emanuele Palladino, flew out to China following the shock announcement of his death after he had collapsed while training.

Cristiano Ronaldo has said 'sometimes the best answer is to be quiet' in the wake of allegations he defrauded the Spanish tax office of £12.9million.

                                                                                                        Cristiano Ronaldo has said 'sometimes the best answer is to be quiet' in the wake of allegations he defrauded the Spanish tax office of £12.9million.The Portugal captain has been accused by Madrid's regional state prosecutor of four counts of tax fraud relating to image rights payments.

Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian marries fiancee Francesca Cormanni in traditional ceremony

                                                                                         Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian marries fiancee Francesca Cormanni in traditional ceremony.                    Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian has married his long-term fiancee Francesca Cormanni in a lavish wedding ceremony in Italy. 

The pair, who have been together since they were teenagers, tied the knot in front of family and friends at a church in Rescaldina, just minutes away from Darmian's home town of Legnano.

Liverpool and Derby have reached an agreement over the permanent transfer of Andre Wisdom, in a deal which could rise to £4.5 million.

                                                                                    Liverpool and Derby have reached an agreement over the permanent transfer of Andre Wisdom, in a deal which could rise to £4.5 million.The 24-year-old will complete the switch to Pride Park subject to a medical and the completion of paperwork.

The Portuguese super agent represented so many players in the Madrid squad in a close working relationship with Jose Mourinho that he was once described as a de facto sporting director for Real.

                                                   The Portuguese super agent represented so many players in the Madrid squad in a close working relationship with Jose Mourinho that he was once described as a de facto sporting director for Real. Along with the current Manchester United boss, his clients included Ricardo Carvalho, Pepe, Fabio Coentrao, Angel Di Maria and, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ever since 2010, there have been no fewer than four Gestifute clients at Real Madrid, including this season, and there has been almost complete harmony between the agency and the club in that time. At the presentation of the authorised biography entitled "The key to Mendes", the agent was flanked by Ronaldo, James Rodriguez and also Florentino Perez in January 2015. The connection was all apparent. However, since Mourinho's departure in 2013, the players represented by Mendes have gradually left the club, with the exception of James who arrived the following year. This summer, with the Colombian set to depart along with Pepe and Fabio Coentrao, Cristiano will be left as the sole Gestifute client at the Bernabeu. In the space of a couple of years, the connection between agency and club has all but broken.

Amid all of that, there has been plenty of controversy as well. The exits of both Mourinho and Di Maria, Coentrao's form, the botched David de Gea transfer, the continuous complaints from James, the message sent by Pepe last week due to a lack of support from the club in his problems with tax evasion accusations and even the arduous renewal of Ronaldo in 2013 are all examples.

It would be naive to believe that those cases have not contributed to the loss of feeling between the two parties in recent times. Little by little, the circle of confidence has been weakened as Madrid look elsewhere for new players and Mendes seeks to build his influence at other clubs (such as Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain or Valencia, among others), while his players create conflicts for Real. That is how 'lobbies' work and in this case, the disconnection has been brewing to boiling point between Mendes and Real Madrid, with only Ronaldo maintaining a link that had until recently appeared unbreakable.    

Juventus have expressed their condolences after it was confirmed a fan that was injured during a stampede at a Champions League final fan zone in Turin has died.

The Italian side paid their respects to Erika Pioletti who died following the stampede at the Champions League final fanzone in Turin on June 3

Juventus have expressed their condolences after it was confirmed a fan that was injured during a stampede at a Champions League final fan zone in Turin has died.

It was reported that over 1,500 fans were hurt after a stampede was triggered by a crowd watching the Bianconeri's 4-1 loss to Real Madrid on June 3. 

The releasing of firecrackers sparked panic as supporters watched the showpiece on giant screens in the Piazza San Carlo in the city, and it was confirmed on Thursday that fan Erika Pioletti has passed away.

And Juve paid their respects via a statement on the club's official website.

"Juventus Football Club would like to express its sincere condolences for the death of Erika," the Italian champions said in a statement.

"The events that took place in Turin and the city's victims of the tragedy on 3 June remain in the hearts and minds of all involved with the club."It has been claimed that many became frightened that the loud bangs could have been as a result of a terrorist attack in the square.

It has also been reported that a railing at the top of a stairwell leading to an underground car park gave way, causing people to run to safety.                                                                                                                                           

Bellerin's future in north London has remained in doubt despite the attacking full-back signing a six-year contact las November

Nacho Monreal is confident he will be playing alongside Hector Bellerin at Arsenal next season despite the latter being the subject of reported interest from Barcelona.

 

Bellerin's future in north London has remained in doubt despite the attacking full-back signing a six-year contact las November and establishing himself as a first-team regular under Arsene Wenger.

The Spain international progressed through Barca's famed La Masia youth system before joining Arsenal in 2011. Barca midfielder Denis Suarez recently suggested that Bellerin is pondering the move, but Monreal is confident he will remain with the Premier League club.

 

"He's an Arsenal player and almost certainly he will stay here," Monreal told Mundo Deportivo.

 

"Hector is a very important player for us and the boss [Wenger] has already reiterated that he counts on him. 

 

"Now they will have to negotiate between the clubs and we will see what happen but almost for sure he will continue with us."                                                                                                                                                           

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri does not think Barcelona will succeed in their attempts to sign Marco Verratti from Paris Saint-Germain.

                                                                            The Catalan side are preparing a €100 million bid for the midfielder, who wants to join them, but the Juventus boss does not expect it to go through

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri does not think Barcelona will succeed in their attempts to sign Marco Verratti from Paris Saint-Germain.                                                                                 

Bayern Munich when he takes Liverpool to the pre-season Audi Cup in Germany this summer.

                                                                            Jurgen Klopp will get the chance to face his old rivals Bayern Munich when he takes Liverpool to the pre-season Audi Cup in Germany this summer.              Jurgen Klopp will get the chance to face his old rivals Bayern Munich when he takes Liverpool to the pre-season Audi Cup in Germany this summer.

Bayern host the friendly tournament, which takes place every two years at the Allianz Arena and sees three other top clubs invited to participate.

For the 2017 edition, Liverpool, Atletico Madrid and Napoli will visit Bavaria hoping for some high-level competition to round off their respective pre-season schedules and the Reds will meet Bayern in the semi-finals. The Audi Cup is a biennial pre-season tournament hosted by Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. The 2017 edition will be the fifth tournament, with Bayern having won three of the previous four.

Three other top clubs from around the world are invited to participate, but only Barcelona have taken the trophy off of the hosts. Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid have all finished second in years gone by.

Liverpool, Atletico Madrid and Napoli will complete this year's lineup. Liverpool and Atleti's participation was announced at a rather bizarre press conference - pictured above - which saw the real-life Carlo Ancelotti sit on a panel with holograms of Jurgen Klopp and Diego Simeone, who were projected in from Merseyside and Madrid.t is likely that the fourth team would have been Milan - who have played at all four Audi Cups so far - but they play Europa League third-qualifying round ties on July 27 and August 3, which clash with this year's tournament.

As a result, Napoli have stepped in to represent Serie A and fill the fourth spot and will take on Atleti in the semi-finals, with Bayern facing Liverpool.

Bayern are looking to win their fourth Audi Cup and their third in a row, having defeated Real Madrid in the 2015 final. Both Liverpool and Atletico, meanwhile, are making their first appearance.

                                                                                                 

Barcelona have confirmed the signing of defender Marlon Santos on a permanent three-year deal.

                                                                            Barcelona have confirmed the signing of defender Marlon Santos on a permanent three-year deal.              The 21-year-old had been on loan at the club from Fluminense in 2016-17 and, although he spent most of his time with the B team, he made three senior appearances under Luis Enrique.

The Brazilian had been linked with a possible move elsewhere but Barca have taken up their option on the player, who is now contracted to the Camp Nou club until 2020.

It has been reported in Spain that new head coach Ernesto Valverde has been suitably impressed with Marlon to consider keeping him in the first-team fold for next season, despite reports that Real Betis are interested in a loan deal.

The news is likely to increase speculation that Jeremy Mathieu's time at Camp Nou is coming to an end, however. The France international, who will be 34 in October, has been linked with Greek Superleague champions Olympiacos.

                                                                                                               

Cristiano Ronaldo led his Portugal team-mates as they returned to the training ground to fine tune their preparation ahead of a Confederation Cup opening clash with Mexico.

Cristiano Ronaldo leads Portugal training as the European champions prepare for Confederations Cup clash with Mexico                                                    Cristiano Ronaldo led his Portugal team-mates as they returned to the training ground to fine tune their preparation ahead of a Confederation Cup opening clash with Mexico.

The European champions will go head to head with El Tricolor on Sunday, in the group stages of the tournament at the Kazan Arena.

Ronaldo was the star of the show as usual as Fernando Santos' side took to training in Oeiras on the outskirts of Lisbon. Ronaldo has dropped one place from fourth in 2017 but iconic No 7's earnings of £73.2million supersede his footballing contemporaries.

The forward's income is heavily boosted by the contract extension he signed with Real last November.

The 32-year-old penned a £365,000-a-week deal at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2021. That wage totals a staggering salary of £19m per year post-tax.

In addition, Ronaldo has a lifetime deal with Nike worth upward of £790m while his growing line of CR7 branded products now include underwear, fragrance, jeans and a line of hotels.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The team were put through their paces with a variety of fitness-based drills, before launching into possession games and short matches.

Ronaldo will take to the pitch for just the second time since his Champions League heroics with Real Madrid in Cardiff.

Premier League champions Chelsea will begin the defence of their title by hosting Sean Dyche's Burnley at Stamford Bridge on August 12.

Premier League Fixtures 2017-18 revealed: Champions Chelsea kick off the new campaign against Burnley as Manchester United host West Ham         Premier League champions Chelsea will begin the defence of their title by hosting Sean Dyche's Burnley at Stamford Bridge on August 12.

Antonio Conte's side will follow up the game against the Clarets by facing last season's runners-up Tottenham at Wembley in a mouth-watering repeat of last season's FA Cup semi-final.

Jose Mourinho's Manchester United will entertain West Ham at Old Trafford on the opening day, while neighbours City travel to the Amex Stadium to face top-flight newcomers Brighton. Arsene Wenger will begin the next chapter in his Arsenal career at home to Leicester City, while Liverpool will travel to face Watford in Marco Silva's first game in charge at Vicarage Road.

Spurs will head for St James' Park on the opening day of the season to face Newcastle United, whose last game in the top flight was a 5-1 win over Mauriccio Pochettino's side. 

Premier League new boys Huddersfield Town can look forward to a trip to face Crystal Palace, with Newcastle the visitors to the John Smith's Stadium a week later in their first top flight home game for 45 years.

Southampton take on Swansea City at St Mary's while West Bromwich Albion welcome Bournemouth to The Hawthorns as the season gets underway.

Everton begin the campaign at home to Stoke City, and it is they who have arguably the most daunting opening set of fixtures.                                                                        Ronald Koeman's side face City, Chelsea, Tottenham and United before the end of September, with the club also hoping to embark on a Europa League campaign.

Chelsea won the Premier League title by seven points last season, and Conte's men shall face runners-up Spurs, Everton, Arsenal and City inside their first seven fixtures.

The big games continue with Liverpool hosting Arsenal on August 26, before Jurgen Klopp's men travel to Manchester City. The Gunners then head for Stamford Bridge in the highlight of the fifth weekend's action.

The first north London derby of the season comes on November 18 at the Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal and Spurs doing battle once more at Wembley on February 10. 

Mourinho's United face Liverpool for the first time at Anfield on October 14, with the Portuguese locking horns with Pep Guardiola in the Manchester derby on December 9 at Old Trafford.        

The Sweden international has revealed his joy at moving to Old Trafford, wher he will stay until the summer of 2021.

Manchester United complete signing of Benfica's Victor Lindelof for £30.7m as defender reveals he is 'thrilled' to be moving to Old Trafford                                  Manchester United have completed the signing of Victor Lindelof from Benfica after the defender passed a medical.

Lindelof, who has cost United £30.7million, arrived at the club's Carrington training base on Wednesday morning before signing a four-year contract.

The 22-year-old has long been a target of manager Jose Mourinho, who decided against a move for the player in January.                                                                             The Sweden international has revealed his joy at moving to Old Trafford, wher he will stay until the summer of 2021.

It is also understood that Benfica could be due a further £8.8m in add-ons.

In an interview on the club's official website, he said: 'I am thrilled to be joining Manchester United. 

'I have enjoyed my time at Benfica enormously and I have learned a lot there. 

'But I'm looking forward to playing in the Premier League at Old Trafford and for Jose Mourinho. 

'I'm keen to get started and make my contribution to the team's efforts to win more trophies.'

He will get his chance to play with his new team-mates in the summer when United go on their tour of the US.

Mourinho believes Lindelof will add depth to his defensive line for next season, with the side competing in the Champions League.    

The Red Devils may be well-stocked in the creativity department, but a mooted move for Inter's Croatian winger                                  Juan Mata, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard - £124 million worth of talent and two home-grown stars.

Manchester United are already well-stocked in the creativity department, with it possible to throw £89 million record signing Paul Pogba into the mix as well – as a central midfielder expected to pull the strings and bridge the gap between defence and attack.

The Red Devils are, however, a club always looking to further themselves.Mourinho had already ruffled his hair and gone cap in hand to Ed Woodward before the final ball had been kicked in the season just gone, with the Portuguese admitting after a Europa League triumph over Ajax that a list of transfer targets had been passed on.

“Please sir, can I have some more?”

One deal has already been put in place, with Sweden international defender Victor Lindelof set to reinforce a defensive unit which, while faring admirably in Mourinho’s first season at the helm, is yet to truly convince and has too many members made of glass that are always liable to take in enforced spells on the treatment table.

At the other end of the field, name a leading striker in one of Europe’s top divisions and United will have been linked with an approach at some stage – Belotti, Griezmann, Morata, Lukaku, Mbappe, the list goes on and on.

It is, however, in the aforementioned playmaking department that the Red Devils could make another sizeable splash in the summer transfer pool.

Too many missed opportunities in 2016-17 cost United a shot at the top four, never mind the top-flight crown, with Mourinho’s men uncharacteristically wasteful in front of goal and all too often frustrated by stubborn opponents prepared to bolt the back door.United have the players capable of picking such locks, but Martial and the much-maligned Wayne Rooney were the only players to reach double figures last season when combining their goal and assist tallies – and both only just scraped into that bracket with 10.
Mata managed a tally of nine in the Premier League, Rashford six, Mkhitaryan five and Lingard three.United are looking to further reinforce their ranks, and Inter winger Ivan Perisic is a player they are said to have their eye on.

It is easy to see why their gaze may have shifted towards the San Siro, with the Croatia international showing over recent years that he is capable of offering the kind of dual threat which could spark the Red Devils back into life.

If United are to spend big on a high-profile frontman, then they will need somebody to provide the ammunition for said recruit.

They will also be demanding a healthier return of goals from those occupying wide or deep-lying roles, with it important that the load is shared and a repeat of the over-reliance on Zlatan Ibrahimovic  is avoided.                                                                                     

                                                                                                

Conor McGregor vs Floyd Mayweather blockbuster showdown confirmed for August 26 in Las Vegas                                Floyd Mayweather has named the date. Conor McGregor has been raring to go for weeks.

The biggest hybrid fight of all time will take place in Las Vegas on August 26.

It may well be that the hype will surpass the occasion but with his customary, control-freak timing, Mayweather has ensured another multi-million dollar extravaganza on that famous Strip.Whether the boxing purists take to the notion or not, this will be the biggest grossing event in the history of combat sports since Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao finally got it together to the tune of more than half a billion dollars between them.

Although this will be The Notorious Irishman's first orthodox boxing match and Mayweather will go into this cross between a fist fight and a circus spectacle, the Nevada State Athletic Commission have assured their Mr Money that all the relevant licenses and approvals will be forthcoming. McGregor's share of the bounty is thought to be in the region of $80m but a percentage of that will go to the UFC, his paymasters in his customary field of action mixed martial arts.

Mayweather, as astute a politician as he is a boxing genius, has timed the event to somewhat upstage his old adversary Oscar de la Hoya's staging of Mexican idol Canelo Alvarez against middleweight knockout supremo Gennady Golovkin.

De la Hoya stole the Mexico independence weekend date of September 16, when Mayweather has always preferred one of his two matches a year so as to draw large crowds across the border.

                                                                                        Juventus are making moves to sign Douglas Costa from Bayern Munich, with the German champions looking to generate a €45 million fee.                                       The Brazil international emerged as a target for the Serie A champions in recent weeks and talks with his representatives on Tuesday suggest that he is willing to move to Turin. Ancelotti is said to be willing to let him go, with Bayern unhappy with an interview Costa gave to Bild am Sonntag in February in which he admitted to not being happy, the Italian coach will look to add another winger to his squad before allowing the deal to go through, even after the addition of Serge Gnabry from Werder Bremen.

The German side are hoping to bring in €45m for a player they bought from Shakhtar Donetsk for €30m in 2015 and is contracted to the club until 2020.

Costa, meanwhile, is understood to be looking for €7m-a-year if he trades Bavaria for Turin.

The two clubs have developed a relationship in recent years, with Arturo Vidal and Kingsley Coman going from Juve to Bayern and Medhi Benatia going the other way, which the Bianconeri will hope can help bridge the gap in negotiations.Meanwhile, Massimiliano Allegri's side are still in pursuit of midfielder Steven N'Zonzi, who is contracted to Sevilla until 2020 with a €40m release clause and has also been linked to Chelsea and Barcelona

Manchester United have cast further doubt over Wayne Rooney’s future by removing him from their cover photo on Facebook.                                                                                                                               The Red Devils skipper had figured prominently on an image promoting the club’s new away shirt for 2017-18 when it was first released in May.

As you would expect from the captain of the club, Rooney was front and centre alongside team-mates Ander Herrera, Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard. United have, however, taken the opportunity to freshen up their social media accounts, and there is now a noticeable absentee in their graphics. Rooney has been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford for some time.

Having slipped down the pecking order under Jose Mourinho, United’s all-time leading goalscorer is suddenly seeing less game time for club and country.

England completely overlooked him in their latest squad, with Gareth Southgate favouring other options. He told The Guardian in May: “I have got some decisions to make now over the next few weeks so I will talk with my family and then I will decide. I think I have to make a decision in terms of a football decision, and that is what I will do.” A return to Everton has been mooted for the 31-year-old forward, while interest is also reported to have been shown from China and America.                               

The Brazilian icon will join up with a squad of Blaugrana legends set to face off in a charity match against a team made up of Red Devils greats

Barcelona icon Ronaldinho is set to make his Camp Nou return in a legends game this month. 

The Brazilian will take his place in a Barcelona legends team that will face off against a Manchester United legends side on June 30 in a match for charity.

The match will mark the first time Ronaldinho has played at Barcelona's famous stadium since he departed the club in 2008. 

In addition to Ronaldinho, Edgar Davids and Simao Sabrosa have been named in the Barca squad, which also includes names such as Jesus Angoy, Juan Carlos, Gheorghe Popescu, Miguel Angel Nadal, Juliano Belletti, Patrik Andersson, Frederic Déhu, Edmílson, Andoni Goikoetxea, Gaizka Mendieta, Ludovic Giuly and Julio Salinas.For the Red Devils squad, Jesper Blomqvist, Quinton Fortune, Karel Poborsky, Dimitar Berbatov, Ji Sung Park, Mikael Silvestre and Dwight Yorke are some of the names confirmed. 

                    

                                                                                          France dropped a point in World Cup qualifying due to an error from their goalkeeper.                                                                                                                     Hugo Lloris will remain as France captain for Tuesday's friendly with England despite his costly blunder in the World Cup qualifier with Sweden.

With Friday's contest in Stockholm level at 1-1, Lloris scuffed an attempted clearance from outside his area, picking out Sweden's Ola Toivonen on the halfway line.Toivonen promptly produced a piece of brilliance by firing in a superb long-range effort with Lloris out of position, leaving the Tottenham goalkeeper red-faced.

However, France coach Didier Deschamps is keen for Lloris to put the error behind him.

He told a pre-match media conference: "He will play, definitely. Lloris will captain. Obviously, I've discussed things with him.

"If he'd seen things differently, I might have changed my decision, but we both thought it was the best thing for him to do. It was clear.

"We want him to go back on the pitch."

Defender Raphael Varane backed Deschamps' decision, insisting the team has complete faith in their skipper.

"We all make mistakes," Varane said.

"He will continue saving us in other games and we don't have to cry over spilt milk. The team has total confidence in him."

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti has told the club he wishes to leave this summer, and as Barcelona prepare a bid of up to €100 million (£89m).                                                                                      Despite having four years to run on his contract, Verratti wants Champions League glory and sees the Camp Nou club as being a better alternative to PSG.

Reports claim the Italy international has specifically asked to join Barca, with them having made Verratti their top target following the arrival of new manager Ernesto Valverde.

Verratti's agent, Donato Di Campli, met with new PSG sporting director Antero Henrique on Monday to express his client's wish to leave and to make clear it was nothing to do with finances.

Despite that, the Ligue 1 outfit are desperate to keep hold of the 24-year-old and are set to offer him a new contract with the promise of creating a team that can compete with Europe's best.Even if he rejects the deal, PSG will fight to secure the future of one of their star players, with a club official telling Marca that: "Verratti is not worth €80m or €100m - he is not for sale."

Barca, meanwhile, are willing to play a waiting game so as to get their man without angering his current club, They value him in the same price range as Luis Suarez, and as such are willing to offer between €70-100m for a player that the Spanish giants see as having all the best qualities of both Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

Should they be successful in signing him, they would then turn to Arsenal's Hector Bellerin to complete their main summer business, with Benfica's €50m valuation of Nelson Semedo forcing the club to look elsewhere for a new right-back.                                                                                                              

Alvaro Morata and Manchester United are waiting for Real Madrid's decision on whether to sell the striker, his agent has confirmed.                                                               United have been heavily linked with a move for the Spain international and reportedly had a €60 million bid rejected last week, with Jose Mourinho's side said to be planning a new offer.

Morata fuelled speculation he could be set to join United by 'liking' an Instagram post reporting the link on Sunday, with Juanma Lopez acknowledging the Old Trafford option is intriguing for his client.

"Manchester United? They are a club with great glamour, a very interesting option," Lopez said to CalcioMercato.com.

"I can say that their proposal is a very, very important one and now the decision rests with Real. I cannot say [if a deal will be closed soon] – we will see. AC Milan were also interested in Morata, with Lopez revealing their offer simply fell short before they instead opted to sign Porto striker Andre Silva.

"Yes, there was frequent contact with us until a few days ago – I can confirm that," added Morata's representative.

"Quite simply, Real Madrid considered the Rossoneri's offer to be unsatisfactory."

Morata only started 14 Liga games last season, with Lopez revealing last week that his client wanted to find a situation where he would play a bigger role.                                                                                         

Diego Costa says he is still waiting for Chelsea to make their decision over his future after he scored in Spain's victory in Macedonia.                                                                Spain stayed on top of World Cup qualifying Group G with a 2-1 win in Skopje, the striker scoring the visitors' second goal to move on to five for the campaign.

Costa revealed this week he has been told via text message from manager Antonio Conte that he does not have a future at Stamford Bridge, an SMS he then forwarded to the club's hierarchy.

The 28-year-old was keen on a move to former club Atletico Madrid, but their failed appeal against a transfer ban has complicated that option.

AC Milan have been heavily linked with a swoop, while rumours connecting him with the Chinese Super League also persist, despite Costa saying last month he would not make such a switch as it would jeopardise his hopes of playing in the World Cup.                                                                                                                                                                         Costa insisted Spain knew they were in for a difficult match against Macedonia on Sunday, with David Silva also on target as the visitors moved into a two-goal lead before Stefan Ristovski's second-half strike for the hosts threatened a comeback.

"It was very important to win, we knew it would not be easy — look at the second half," he said.

"In the first half we could have scored more, but the second was complicated. We learned to be together and suffer.

"These are very important games but the match against Italy [in September] is more so. Those of us [nearing a suspension] were very focused and knew how important it was not to see a yellow card."

Costa scored 20 Premier League goals last season as Chelsea won the title in their first campaign under Conte.

Manchester City outcast Joe Hart should be dropped by England and replaced by Jack Butland, says former captain Terry Butcher                                                              The 30-year-old has been first-choice for his country for a number of years, with regular game time in the Premier League aiding his cause.

Hart was, however, deemed surplus to requirements at City shortly after Pep Guardiola’s arrival at the Etihad Stadium and spent the 2016-17 campaign on loan at Serie A side Torino.

That move came on the back of a forgettable showing at Euro 2016 and, after conceding two free-kicks to Scotland in England’s latest 2018 World Cup qualifier, Butcher believes Gareth Southgate needs to make a change.

He told the BBC: “There is a case, and a very strong case, to give Jack Butland a chance now because he was in pole position before he got injured.”

Pressed on whether Hart should be dropped, the former defender said: “Yes. I was very disappointed with the goals [against Scotland]. Joe is a big guy, his positioning, neither shot was particularly close to the post and it’s disappointing that he did not even get a glove on it.”                                                                                                               Hart was not the only player to disappoint Butcher against Scotland, though, with there little evidence in an end-of-season encounter that England had been buoyed by a boot camp with the Royal Marines.

Instead, they required a stoppage-time leveller from Tottenham striker Harry Kane to snatch a point in a 2-2 draw.

Butcher added: “I like the idea [of the boot camp], but I didn't see much evidence of it.

“England deserve full praise for at least coming back. It had a real feel of beach football rather than grass football, didn't it?”

Despite being held by their arch-rivals at Hampden Park, England remain top of Group F and are well on course to book their place at next summer’s World Cup finals in Russia.