TODAYS BREAKING FOOTBALL NEWS THURS 21ST JULY 2016 '

GOOD MORNING... THURSDAY 21ST JULY 2016

...and welcome to the Cardiff City forum Transfer Centre for All clubs - your one-stop shop for all the latest news and rumours from the market. Be sure to keep it here throughout the day... :thumb right:



Manchester United have made a second offer of £92m for Paul Pogba but must pay his agent £18.4m



' WELSH STAR £13MILLION AGREED '

JOE ALLEN FEE AGREED
We understand talks are ongoing between Stoke and Liverpool with a £13 million fee agreed to take Joe Allen to the Bet365 Stadium.



Liverpool have agreed a £25m deal with Newcastle United for midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum


Aston Villa have had a £5m bid rejected for Bristol City's Jonathan Kodjia.



' NEW ENGLAND MANAGER '

Sam Allardyce will be confirmed as the next England manager in the next 24 hours.

You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

PHIL BROWN ALONGSIDE BIG SAM?

If/when Allardyce does leave, who will be his England assistant? And who will take over at Sunderland?

How about Phil Brown? The Southend boss has been speaking to Sky Sports News HQ this evening.

"To go back and play at Sunderland would have been a dream, I was never good enough, but to manage the club, would I jump at the chance? Of course I would.

"I got asked when I was 36 or 37 and Sam employed me as a coach at Blackpool, how far do you think you can take your career? I said to England, I wanted to manage England one day and be on the international scene, I have never hidden that fact.

"I have managed at the highest level in terms of the Premier League, it wouldn’t phase me in the slightest, either one of those appointments. But at the same time I have a job to do at Southend, until somebody comes knocking I stay where I am. But I would jump at the chance, of course."

BETTING TO BE NEW SUNDERLAND MANAGER

With Sam Allardyce seemingly off to England, David Moyes is Sky Bet's hot favourite at 1/5 to replace him at Sunderland. Ryan Giggs is an 8/1 chance with Jurgen Klinsmann 11/1.

POGBA A DONE DEAL? FOR €120M?

A pretty big Paul Pogba update from French newspaper L’Equipe.

They are saying that a deal has been agreed for the midfielder to return to Manchester United from Juventus.

Apparently negotiations will now be formalised over the final price and it is thought it could be €120m. It is suggested it could be completed in a ‘matter of days’.

You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

' WAYNE ROONEY UNDER PRESSURE '


21/07/16

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney admits his place in the side is under pressure following the arrival of new star names.

Defender Eric Bailly, midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan and striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic have all arrived at Old Trafford this summer - with Paul Pogba also a known transfer target - and Rooney accepts he will need to be at his best to stay in Jose Mourinho's plans.

Rooney, who is in Shanghai with the squad for their pre-season China tour, said: "You always feel you have to prove yourself every season, because it's a dream to play for them. I think you always feel pressure when you play for Manchester United.

"We've made some fantastic signings, too. Hopefully, we can have a good start to the season and be successful by the end of it."

' DAILY MIRROR '

Manchester City have launched a bid to sign Toni Kroos from Real Madrid.

Liverpool's Jon Flanagan is pondering a loan to Burnley.

Chelsea want to sign Benfica defender Victor Lindelof.

' DAILY MAIL '

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is prepared to go in with a third offer for Real Madrid's Alvaro Morata.


Chelsea's Kurt Zouma hopes to make a return in six weeks after his long-term injury.

Diego Maradona says he is prepared to manage Argentina 'for free'.

Manchester City will go on a pre-season tour of the USA in 2017 to broaden their portfolio.

Aston Villa have had a £5m bid rejected for Bristol City's Jonathan Kodjia.

Hamburg have lined up a bid of £8m for Jordan Ayew but Aston Villa want to keep the striker.

West Brom and Sunderland have shown interest in Lorient striker Benjamin Moukandjo.

BREAKING NEWS

Sam Allardyce will be confirmed as the next England manager in the next 24 hours.

Sky Sports News HQ understands that the Sunderland manager will be ratified as Roy Hodgson’s replacement at tomorrow’s FA Board Meeting.

We understand Sunderland were informed of the news this afternoon and that the search for a replacement is already underway.

TONY WATT A MOVE FOR HEARTS

Hearts have signed striker Tony Watt on a season-long loan from Charlton.

The 22-year-old will not be eligible to play against Birkirkara in tonights Europa League qualifier.

REGIONAL PAPER TALK

Here’s a selection of the biggest transfer stories making regional back pages...

21/07/16

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has called for respect from Atletico Madrid after the Spanish club publicly courted striker Diego Costa. (Evening Standard)

Asmir Begovic’s future at Chelsea is in doubt after the club made a move to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Diego Lopez. (Evening Standard)

Sunderland’s bid to re-sign Yann M’Vila has taken a fresh twist after the Rubin Kazan midfielder returned to his native France. (Sunderland Echo)


Sunderland are set to offer Aston Villa captain Micah Richards an immediate route back into the Premier League, according to reports. (Birmingham Mail)


Marko Arnautovic has returned to training a week early and Stoke boss Mark Hughes is “very hopeful” he will remain at the club this summer. (The Sentinel)


Hull are yet to make an official approach for Reading full-back Chris Gunter, according to reports. (Hull Daily Mail)

Borussia Dortmund have denied reports that Neven Subotic’s proposed move to Middlesbrough is off. (Evening Gazzette)

REDS AGREE WIJNALDUM FEE

Liverpool have agreed a £25m deal with Newcastle United for midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, according to Sky sources.

" Ex Cardiff City/Celtic player "

Adam Matthews is still a transfer target for Bristol City, as Sunderland look to continue offloading the deadwood after Emanuele Giaccherini's exit.

GUARDIOLA: CITY IN SANE TALKS

Manchester City are in talks with Schalke winger Leroy Sane, but that the two clubs are still some way apart in their valuation of the player, according to Pep Guardiola.

"Sane is a player of Schalke," Guardiola said following City’s 1-0 pre-season defeat against former club Bayern Munich.

"Of course we talk to him - Schalke knows we are interested, but at this moment we don't have many possibilities to get him."

You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

' DAILY TELEGRAPH '

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was told the England job was his if he wanted.

Manchester City have launched a £50m bid to sign Toni Kroos from Real Madrid.

Liverpool's Jon Flanagan is pondering a loan to Burnley.


Chelsea want to sign Benfica defender Victor Lindelof.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is prepared to go in with a third offer for Real Madrid's Alvaro Morata.


Chelsea's Kurt Zouma hopes to make a return in six weeks after his long-term injury.


Diego Maradona says he is prepared to manage Argentina 'for free'.


Manchester City will go on a pre-season tour of the USA in 2017 to broaden their portfolio.



Aston Villa have had a £5m bid rejected for Bristol City's Jonathan Kodjia.



Hamburg have lined up a bid of £8m for Jordan Ayew but Aston Villa want to keep the striker.


West Brom and Sunderland have shown interest in Lorient striker Benjamin Moukandjo.



Manchester United have made a second offer of £92m for Paul Pogba but must pay his agent £18.4m.

' THE SUN '

Manchester United have agreed a world record £105m fee with Juventus for Paul Pogba.

Luke Shaw has put up his £2m mansion up for sale sparking speculation he could leave Manchester United.


Stoke chairman Peter Coates is prepared to play hardball over signing Saido Berahino and won't be rushed.

Wes Morgan has urged Riyad Mahrez to follow his lead and sign a new contract at Leicester.

BREAKING NEWS

Newcastle have accepted a bid in the region of £25m from Liverpool for Georginio Wijnaldum, according to Sky sources. The midfielder is set to travel to Merseyside for a medical.

CITY KROOS?

Manchester City have launched a £50m bid to sign Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos, according to the Daily Mirror.

Pep Guardiola is thought to be a big fan of the Germany international, and is keen to reunite with Kroos having managed him at Bayern Munich.

Real are understood to have welcomed City’s initial approach, with the European champions keen to offload one of their high earners to help them compete with Manchester United for Paul Pogba.

LIVERPOOL AGREE WIJNALDUM FEE

Liverpool have agreed a £25m deal with Newcastle United for midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, according to Sky sources.

Wijnaldum, who has 30 international caps for the Netherlands, will now travel to Merseyside for a medical before finalising his switch to Anfield.

The midfielder joined Newcastle in a £14.5m switch from PSV Eindhoven last summer but was unable to prevent their relegation from the Premier League.

Swansea set to miss out on Joe Allen

We begin with that news that broke last night and it wasn’t great for Swansea City fans.

There are strong reports Liverpool have accepted a £13m bid from Stoke City for Joe Allen, and we could see movement on the deal soon.

The news, which came through late last night, will come as a blow to many Swans fans who had hoped Allen would make a stunning return to the Liberty Stadium.

Swansea had an £8m bid for the player rejected last month and it remains to be seen if they would be willing to match the £13m offer.

Allen struggled to nail down a starting spot under Jurgen Klopp last season and was due to hold talks with the Liverpool boss as he entered the final year of his contract with no new deal on the table. The midfielder, who cost Liverpool £15 million when he signed from Swansea four years ago, has made 132 appearances for the Reds.

You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

MORNING PAPER TALK

21/07/16

Here’s a quick look at the biggest transfer stories making Thursday’s national back pages...

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was told the England job was his if he wanted. (Daily Telegraph)


Manchester City have launched a £50m bid to sign Toni Kroos from Real Madrid. (Daily Mirror)


Liverpool's Jon Flanagan is pondering a loan to Burnley. (Daily Mirror)


Chelsea want to sign Benfica defender Victor Lindelof. (Daily Mirror)


Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is prepared to go in with a third offer for Real Madrid's Alvaro Morata. (Daily Mail)


West Brom and Sunderland have shown interest in Lorient striker Benjamin Moukandjo. (Daily Mail)


Manchester United have agreed a world record £105m fee with Juventus for Paul Pogba. (The Sun)

FERGIE BACKING BIG SAM

Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Sam Allardyce's expected appointment as England's next national manager.

The Manchester United legend said Allardyce was the right man to take over from Roy Hodgson.

"He's got many years of club football behind him and the confidence and the reputation,” Ferguson exclusively told Sky Sports News HQ.

"He's certainly the top Englishman. You can search the world for a top manager but it was right to appoint an Englishman."

You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

Incredible! Newcastle paid £14.5mill for Wijnaldum got relegated and are selling him for £25mill!

MOURINHO ON POGBA

Jose Mourinho says he cannot confirm or deny Manchester United's world record bid for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba.

DORTMUND ANNOUNCE GOTZE

Borussia Dortmund have confirmed the signing of Mario Gotze on a four-year contract.

The 24-year-old Germany international left Dortmund for Bayern Munich in 2013 but now rejoins the club.

"I am personally very pleased that Mario has decided to return to Borussia Dortmund. I have since his departure in 2013, always hoped that he will one day return to us," said Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke.

Klopp: I haven't seen Joe since the middle of May

21/07/16

Jurgen Klopp has admitted that he is an admirer of Joe Allen but refused to be drawn on the Welshman’s future in the wake of Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Huddersfield yesterday.

Klopp also revealed that he hasn’t even seen the 26-year-old since the Europa League Final in May.

“There is nothing about this and all the transfer rumours.

“We cannot comment because we couldn’t do anything else all day so we shouldn’t start with this.

“I feel good (about Joe). I like the guy and I really think he is a wonderful football player.

“I knew this before the European Championships, I saw it during the Euros and I know it now.

“I have said all I can say about this. It is all about respecting contracts, negotiating or not – whatever – and making a transfer or not.

“But it is nothing to discuss in public but I’ve not seen him since the middle of May in Basel.”

Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool manager

You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

LOSING MCGHEE WOULD BE 'CATASTROPHIC'

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee claimed his life flashed before his eyes as he faced up to the "catastrophic" prospect of losing Scott McDonald one game into the season.

But McGhee believes the Australian is now even more committed to Motherwell after the club rejected an offer from Western Sydney Wanderers.

McDonald only signed a one-year contract on July 1, but the 32-year-old was seriously tempted by the chance to return to his homeland.

However, talks between McGhee and McDonald on Wednesday ensured Motherwell were able to reject a formal offer when chief operating officer Alan Burrows received a phone call at 3am on Thursday morning.

RAITH SEAL DOUBLE SWOOP

Raith Rovers have completed an impressive double deal to sign Rudi Skacel and Declan McManus.

Former Hearts midfielder Skacel has signed on for the Ladbrokes Championship campaign after leaving Mlada Boleslav in his native Czech Republic.

McManus has joined on loan from Fleetwood, where he moved from Aberdeen last summer. The 21-year-old scored 28 goals for Morton in two separate loan spells over 18 months.

JAMES WILSON STILL HAS UNITED FUTURE

21/07/16

James Wilson's immediate future remains at Man Utd despite him not being included in their pre-season tour to China.

Sky sources understand the 20-year-old striker has been kept in the north-west of England to undergo a gruelling pre-season schedule with U21s head coach Warren Joyce.

Wilson still has four years remaining on the five-year contract he signed in September 2015 but is behind new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial for a place up-front.

Wilson could be allowed to go out on loan for regular first-team games later in the transfer window, with several Premier League and a host of Champions League clubs interested in taking him.

Swansea, Hull and West Brom are all reported to be keen while Brighton, for whom he played 28 times and scored five goals on loan last season, would also like to take him again, and Fulham have an interest.