Category: Football

The Erik ten Hag regime at Manchester United could set itself up to get off to an unexpected surprise this summer after the Red Devils have tabled a formal offer for Danish international star Christian Eriksen.

Eriksen, 30, is available on a free transfer after his one-year deal with Thomas Frank’s Brentford was not extended and has been previously linked with interest from former club Tottenham but United could be set to swoop in to secure the services of the Ajax academy graduate.

As reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, United has tabled a contract offer and is one of a cadre of clubs that are vying for the services of Eriksen, who has made a sensational return to football after suffering a serious cardiac event during Denmark’s Euro 2020 clash with Finland last summer.

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🚨 Man Utd understood to have made an offer to Christian Eriksen & are among the clubs interested in signing him. 30yo Denmark playmaker a free agent after Brentford contract ended. #MUFC summer priority remains De Jong but other options too @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/mY3YGlEfME

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 14, 2022

Since his return to the Premier League during the second half of the 2021-22 season with Brentford, Eriksen was a standout performer under Frank and an expected chief architect in the creative engine room for the Bees and managed to add one goal and four assists in his eleven appearances this season.

Eriksen also made a sensational return to international football on the back of his club form as well, scoring for Kasper Hjulmand’s De Rød-Hvide against both Serbia and the Netherlands during the March international break.

Though United has been hot on the trail of Barcelona’s Dutch midfield star Frenkie de Jong this summer in a bid to reunite the central figure with Ten Hag at Old Trafford, a move for Eriksen would add a wealth of creative talent under the Dutch manager to the already creative outlet that is Bruno Fernandes.

But a move for Eriksen by United could be warranted after the club has lost Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, and Jesse Lingard this summer on free transfers.

It is unclear if Eriksen will opt for Tottenham over United after the official approach has been levied by the Red Devils, but according to Eriksen, Champions League football is not a vital component when it comes to his next port of call.

When speaking with Viaplay (cited by Fabrizio Romano), Eriksen’s statement could offer a boost to United’s attempt at bringing him to the northwest of England; “I have different offers and options, which we are considering, and then we make a decision. I would love to play Champions League football again. I know how much fun it is, but it isn’t essential for me.”

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Word stemming from the media on Monday evening points towards Premier League outfit Fulham’s attempts to land Shakhtar Donetsk star Manor Solomon being firmly back on track.

For those not aware, it was, at one point, viewed as something of a formality that gifted attacker Solomon was primed for a summer switch to Craven Cottage.

The 22-year-old is understood to have been identified as the ideal replacement for the outbound Fabio Carvalho, set to take his talents to Anfield with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool ahead of the new season.

On the back of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Fulham, in turn, quickly swooped to strike a deal worth around £7 million with Shakhtar Donetsk.

Multiple outlets went as far as to state that the transfer was therefore as good as done, with the Cottagers set to add proven attacking quality to their ranks ahead of a season back in the top-flight of English football.

In turn, it came as a major blow for all associated with the club when, out of the blue, word was forthcoming that Fulham’s Solomon swoop was on the verge of complete collapse.

Owing to a series of unforeseen ‘issues’, negotiations between the two clubs were brought to a standstill, opening the door for rival suitors to pounce.

As alluded to above, though, evidently, such efforts on the part of fellow interested parties to have positioned themselves in the race for the Israeli have come up short.

This comes with a fresh twist in the tale having now been confirmed, and Solomon’s Craven Cottage switch very much back on the table.

As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the recruitment team in west London are ‘getting closer’ to finally pushing a deal with Shakhtar over the line.

Figures of €7.5 million, followed by a 15% sell on clause, are touted as being discussed, with the transfer, in turn, ‘back on track and advanced’.

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Fulham are now getting closer to sign Manor Solomon after deal collapsed few weeks ago. It was almost done for €7.5m + 15% sell on clause from Shakhtar, now back on track and advanced. ⚪️🇮🇱 #FulhamFC

Talks ongoing with player’s camp to reach full agreement on personal terms. pic.twitter.com/yT39h6Rc0j

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 13, 2022

 

Bernd Leno’s agent provides update on future and assures German is ‘Arsenal’s clear no.1’

Aston Villa set to close deal for prolific 5th summer signing

 

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The Australian national team this evening booked their spot at the 2022 World Cup, with one member of the country’s squad having since taken his place front and centre in the post-match headlines.

The Socceroos marked their return to action a short time ago.

After navigating their way beyond the United Arab Emirates in the 4th round of qualification, Graham Arnold’s troops were faced with one final test in their bid to advance to November’s Qatar showpiece, in the form of a playoff showdown with Peru.

A tense 90 minutes, and ensuing 30 minutes of extra time subsequently followed, with neither nation able to find an all-important opener.

Proceedings, in turn, were sent to a penalty shootout.

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Penalties it is. 🙈

It ends all square after 120 minutes, so we will shoot for a place at the @FIFAWorldCup from the spot. #AUSvPER #WCQ #AllForTheSocceroos pic.twitter.com/LQMzWJYRKH

— Socceroos (@Socceroos) June 13, 2022

And, as alluded to above, one man and one man only subsequently proved both the hero, and villain of the spot-kick contest.

The player in question? Andrew Redmayne.

With a full 119 minutes on the clock at the Al Rayyan Stadium, and penalties looming, Australia boss Arnold opted to take action, hooking first-choice shot-stopper Maty Ryan, and replacing him with the aforementioned Redmayne.

And the latter took little time in showcasing precisely why, making use of some altogether questionable techniques to put the opposing Peruvian players off in their attempts to find the net.

On each and every occasion, the 33-year-old was warned regarding his conduct, and yet Redmayne continued to bounce around on his line, flailing his arms wildly.

And, in the end, it would be hard to argue that the unorthodox behaviour of Australia’s no.2 served its purpose.

After seeing one Peru penalty strike the post, Redmayne came up trumps at the last, saving Alex Valera’s deciding strike to ensure that the Socceroos will take their place amongst the 32 nations set to vie it out for the 2022 World Cup.

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Goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne… Came off the bench for Australia in the final minute of extra time just for penalty shoot-out… He did this dance on the line every time… And for the critical penalty kick it worked! pic.twitter.com/hUb2g9Mevd

— Simon Sandiford (@SimonUpNorth) June 13, 2022

 

England vs Hungary betting tips: UEFA Nations League preview, predictions and odds

Germany vs Italy betting tips: UEFA Nations League preview, predictions and odds

 

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The agent of Arsenal star Bernd Leno has on Monday spoken out over his client’s future, at the same time providing something of a bizarre personal insight into the goalkeeping situation in Mikel Arteta’s squad.

The future of German international Leno has of course taken its place front and centre in the headlines when it comes to ongoings at the Emirates over the course of the last 48 hours.

This comes with the shot-stopper subject to altogether intense interest on the part of Premier League newcomers Fulham.

The Cottagers are understood to have identified Leno as their first-choice option to reinforce the club’s ranks between the posts ahead of next season, desperate to prolong their stay back in the top-flight of English football beyond 12 months.

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🚨 EXCL: Fulham in talks to sign goalkeeper Bernd Leno from Arsenal. 30yo among #FFC options + currently favoured candidate but nothing agreed. Has 1y on contract & keen to stay in London. #AFC have Ramsdale, Turner, Hein. W/ @gunnerblog for @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/XkWakC9g20

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 11, 2022

Speaking on Monday, it therefore came as no surprise when the subject of his client’s future was put to the 30-year-old’s agent.

And, during an interview with German outlet Bild, Joannis Koukoutrigas first took advantage of the opportunity to, somewhat bizarrely, suggest that Leno remains the ‘clear no.1’ on the red half of north London.

This of course comes despite the ex-Bayer Leverkusen star having long been usurped by Aaron Ramsdale in the Arsenal pecking order.

“He is a German national goalkeeper, has always performed well at Arsenal and is an absolute team player,” Koukoutrigas explained.

“For me personally, Bernd is also the clear No.1 at Arsenal. With all due respect to the competitors.

From here, Leno’s representative went on to confirm Fulham’s interest in the experienced shot-stopper, albeit with the capital outfit far from the only club in the race for the out-of-favour Gunners star:

“Fulham is trying hard to get Bernd. Very professionally. This is also true for some other clubs and shows his status. But, as I said, for me he is the No.1 at Arsenal and we are therefore also relaxed.”

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Bernd Leno’s agent has spoken out over the Arsenal goalkeeper’s future.https://t.co/JGTCogZhZt

— Standard Sport (@standardsport) June 13, 2022

 

Arsenal confirm Brazilian forward as their first signing of the summer

Arsenal fans convinced that they have spotted Gabriel Jesus transfer hint in Erling Haaland announcement

 

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Spain boss Luis Enrique has been praising Barcelona youngster Gavi after the midfielder’s latest outing for his country.

Gavi was only handed his senior Barca debut at the start of this past season, but has since notched 45 further appearances for his club.

Gavi is a central midfielder by trade, but that did not stop him chipping in with a goal or assist when required. He scored two and provided six assists in 34 La Liga outings last term.

The teenager has also become a regular feature for Spain’s national side in the last year.

Spain’s latest outing came on Sunday evening vs Czech Republic and was a UEFA Nations League tie.

La Furia Roja dominated the match and would win 2-0 thanks to goals from Carlos Soler and Pablo Sarabia. The result means Luis Enrique’s side are sitting top of their Nations League group by one point with two games left to play.

One of those ties is against second place Portugal, and if they win that, they will almost certainly secure passage into the knockout rounds.

Following their latest triumph, former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique was full of praise for Gavi, who came on for the final 30 minutes of the match:

“It’s an erupting volcano. It is very difficult not to fall in love with Gavi,” the head coach told TVE. “Any fan wants to see him play.”

When asked if he has had to advise Gavi on any parts of his game, Enrique added: “No, you know, he picks up everything very quickly.”

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In other Gavi news, it was confirmed over the weekend that Barcelona are close to agreeing a fresh contract with the youngster.

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Barça president Laporta confirms: “We are very close to reaching an agreement with Gavi to extend his contract”. 🚨🇪🇸 #FCB @relevo

“We are optimistic about the renewal of Gavi. We want him to continue at Barça”, he added. pic.twitter.com/7IYADXcUQG

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 11, 2022

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Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong has hinted that he would like to join forces with rumoured Blaugrana target Robert Lewandowski next season.

Links between Polish international Lewandowski and Barca have of course been rampant for several weeks now.

This comes with the 33-year-old having made public his desire to seek pastures new this summer, on the back of a prolific stint in Germany with Bayern Munich.

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Lewandowski: “My era at Bayern is over. I don’t see any possibility to continue playing for this club anymore” 🚨 #FCBayern

“Bayern’s a serious club and I believe they won’t keep me, I don’t want to play there anymore. A transfer is the best solution. I hope they don’t stop me”. pic.twitter.com/ieO3q0tEBO

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 30, 2022

The Camp Nou, in turn, has long been tipped as Lewandowski’s landing spot of choice, with Barca’s mutual interest in securing a deal meaning a transfer is viewed as altogether likely to come to fruition at some point over the coming months.

And, as alluded to above, one current member of Xavi’s ranks who has this weekend hinted at his desire to see ‘Lewa’ seal a move to Catalunya comes in the form of Frenkie de Jong.

Despite the rampant speculation surrounding his own name at present, FdJ was drawn on the content of a recent discussion between he and the Bayern standout.

This comes after the pair were spotted conversing on the back of the Netherlands’ 2-2 Nations League stalemate with Poland on Saturday.

And de Jong was not shy in admitting his wish to line out alongside Lewandowski, labelling the veteran striker ‘one of the best in the world’:

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Frenkie de Jong answers on his conversation with Robert Lewandowski: “He’s an amazing player, one of the best in the world. It’s up to him [on his future to Barça]”. 🔴 #FCB

“Of course I would like to have Lewandowski in my team”, he added.@TheEuropeanLad

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 12, 2022

 

‘Genius’ – Barcelona star hailed for ‘changing the game’ in Spain’s win over Switzerland

Real Madrid blow: Chelsea on the verge of closing deal for Gabriel Slonina

 

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One member of Luis Enrique’s Spain squad has been singled out for widespread praise on Sunday evening.

La Roja were of course back in action a short time ago.

On the back of a solid if unspectacular opening to the country’s Nations League campaign, the Spanish welcomed the Czech Republic to Malaga, eyeing a 2nd win on the spin.

And, when all was said and done, make it two wins from two, en route to a spot atop the Group B table, is precisely what Enrique’s troops managed.

Carlos Soler was first on target, before Pablo Sarabia made sure that the evening’s hosts bagged all three points courtesy of a 2nd fifteen minutes from time:

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The buildup to this Spain goal @Pablosarabia92 extends their lead to ✌️

:FS2 pic.twitter.com/RFsJHtIbKQ

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 12, 2022

‘Little genius’

Spain’s result-clinching 2nd, though, only came after what many have since labelled as a game-changing substitution on the part of boss Enrique.

The player introduced to the fray? Gavi.

With an hour on the clock, and La Roja toiling in their efforts to put a plucky Czech outfit to the sword once and for all, Carlos Soler was hooked, with Barcelona sensation Gavi introduced in his place.

And the 17-year-old, despite his tender years, enjoyed yet another wonderful showing in his country’s colours, playing a central role in both the buildup to Sarabia’s 2nd, and his side ultimately seeing out the result.

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GAVI STOP IT!! 17 YEARS OLD pic.twitter.com/PGhjMrtbX3

— (@Freknie) June 12, 2022

In turn, viewers of the clash have since taken to social media in their absolute droves, to heap praise on one of world football’s finest up-and-coming talents:

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Gavi came in a changed the game

— OBABY (@MakswehlO) June 12, 2022

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Different team when Gavi is on

— Wado Wick ‍☠️ (@Where_Is_WaDo) June 12, 2022

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If Gavi keeps this up, Xavi won’t have a choice but to make him an undisputed starter in no time.

What a talent. Incredible.

— Domagoj Kostanjšak (@DKostanjsak) June 12, 2022

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Gavi COMPLETELY changed the game.

Goal Spain .. Gavi’s run made all the difference.

— adil (@Barca19stats) June 12, 2022

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Gavi just makes football look so easy. If you think he’s just a ball of energy you’re looking past the incredible maturity in his game

— Anna R (@Anna_96_10) June 12, 2022

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Gavi, man.. like I been sayin, all the hypes around Pedri and well worth it but Gavi might actually be better, and hes 17 lol.

— ali (@ArabGodZee) June 12, 2022

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Gavi is a little genius. 17 years old and he’s changed the game for Spain after coming on.

— ConallMeade (@conall_meade) June 12, 2022

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I’m not one to hype players, but you see that boy called Gavi…he’s a genius. Iniesta and Xavi in the body of a 17 year old. Wow! ⚽️ #ESPCZE #gavi #uefanations

— Sports Doctor (@AmaifeHenry) June 12, 2022

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Crazy how gavi is 17 and is that good

— Juan Montiel (@Juan19_Montiel) June 12, 2022

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Gavi is literally the game changer every time he’s on the pitch for Spain and he’s 17 years old ffs. That is when Pedri & Fati aren’t playing anyway

— Edward (@Edward_Braisby) June 12, 2022

 

Robert Lewandowski’s backup plan in case of failed Barcelona switch revealed

Chelsea star follows Kevin De Bruyne and more in early departure from Belgium camp

 

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The name of Manchester United youngster Alejandro Garnacho has taken its place front and centre in the headlines on Sunday evening, for altogether contrasting reasons.

First up, the 17-year-old bagged himself not one, but two individual prizes.

Garnacho spent the last couple of weeks plying his trade for Argentina’s U20s, at the historic Toulon Tournament in France.

And the midfield prodigy, despite his country’s lacklustre overakk showing, went on to thoroughly impress, racking up four goals and an assist across his four appearances.

In turn, it should come as little surprise to hear of Garnacho, on Sunday, being named the Revelation of the Tournament in the south of France:

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#TMR2022 Awards |

⭐ @agarnacho7 (@Argentina x @ManUtd) is named Revelation of the Tournament 2022 ! pic.twitter.com/DfXcqfb4PL

— Tournoi Maurice Revello – #TMR2022 (@TournoiMRevello) June 12, 2022

Not only that, but the Red Devils sensation has too bagged the award for Goal of the Tournament, owing to the following set-piece special versus France last weekend:

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#TMR2022 Awards |

⚽ @agarnacho7 (@Argentina & @ManUtd) wins the Goal of the Tournament 2022 award for this screamer ! pic.twitter.com/3MsqoyjSEn

— Tournoi Maurice Revello – #TMR2022 (@TournoiMRevello) June 12, 2022

‘Why post this?’

As alluded to above, though, Garnacho’s evening has since taken something of a turn for the worse.

Taking to his official Instagram account a short time ago, the teenage midfielder unveiled a photo of himself alongside none other than Mohamed Salah, accompanied by a loveheart emoji:

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Ig Garnacho: “@MoSalah ❤️” [garnacho7] pic.twitter.com/7kfPEc77X3

— utdreport (@utdreport) June 12, 2022

And to say that the ensuing reaction on the part of the Manchester United fanbase has since proven one of disapproval would be putting it lightly.

Taking to social media in their droves, the Red Devils faithful have made clear their frustration with Garnacho’s actions, evidently of the opinion that Salah’s status as a Liverpool icon means that one of the club’s finest up-and-coming talents should steer clear of posts featuring the Egyptian international:

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sell him

— Luke (@UpexLuke) June 12, 2022

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Why has he done that then

— H (@Harlzyy) June 12, 2022

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I’m confused…imagine Roy Keane doing this for carragher when they were playing

— King (@KingUTD2) June 12, 2022

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— (@AM9PP6) June 12, 2022

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Tf he doing this for

— (@SerialWinnaReds) June 12, 2022

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Woah woah woah this isn’t Utd at all

— Umair (@Umair_Utd) June 12, 2022

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Don’t give him a new contract

— shush (@David03277673) June 12, 2022

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The guy literally put 5 past Utd last season.
Whats he putting the heart emoji for??

— Abhay Kriz (@Abhaykriz) June 12, 2022

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why did he post this

— m (@utdpr_) June 12, 2022

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pic.twitter.com/RC5EZ6vn4t

— Vincent (@VincentXCV) June 12, 2022

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WTF???

— Joel Smith (@joelsmith1987) June 12, 2022

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kid just fanboys anyone, sell him

— … (@maradonista_) June 12, 2022

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pic.twitter.com/MJcFMJZvI1

— Elliott Vinnie (@elliottvinnie1) June 12, 2022

 

Video: Man United’s Andreas Pereira bags fine goal for Flamengo

Watch: Smiling Frenkie de Jong responds to question on Man United switch

 

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A fresh insight into the future of soon-to-be free agent midfielder Christian Eriksen, and specifically the efforts of Brentford to prolong his stay at the club, has been provided on Sunday.

Danish international Eriksen, of course, secured a return to English football this past January.

After seeing his contract with Italian heavyweights Inter Milan terminated owing to Serie A’s rules surrounding the use of implanted cardioverter defibrillators, a device which the 30-year-old was fitted with on the back of his frightening cardiac arrest at last summer’s European Championships, Eriksen was afforded a fresh start by Premier League newcomers Brentford.

And to say that this is an opportunity which the Dane went on to take full advantage of would be putting it lightly.

Eriksen featured from the off in ten of Brentford’s final 11 league outings, notching a goal and four assists along the way, proving beyond any measure of doubt that he remains more than capable of cutting his teeth at the top level of the game.

With such form, though, has come inevitable speculation surrounding Eriksen’s future beyond the summer.

The 30-year-old’s terms with Brentford are due to come to a close at the end of the month, with it currently unclear where he stands on the possibility of putting pen to paper on an extension in west London.

Such uncertainty, in turn, is understood to have seen a number of rival Premier League clubs enter the fray, chief amongst them Manchester United and Eriksen’s former employers, Tottenham Hotspur.

As alluded to above, though, on Sunday, a fresh insight into the efforts of the transfer team at the Brentford Community Stadium to tie their midfield star down for the long term has been provided.

The info comes courtesy of transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who confirms that the Bees have tabled a ‘serious, important’ contract offer to Eriksen.

The Dane himself remains undecided on his plans, amid ongoing interest from ‘many clubs’.

A definitive conclusion to the saga, though, is expected imminently, with Eriksen set to choose his favoured landing spot ‘in the coming days’.

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Brentford have submitted a serious, important personal terms offer to Christian Eriksen – but the player is considering his options with many clubs interested. 🇩🇰 #transfers

Eriksen will make his decision on the future club in the coming days.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 12, 2022

 

How many signings do Manchester United actually need to make this summer?

Sunday’s transfer rumours: Nunez, Raphinha, Leno, Richarlison and more

 

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Real Madrid star Karim Benzema has taken to social media on Saturday, to provide his response to fellow countryman Aurelien Tchouameni joining him in the Spanish capital.

Midfield prodigy Tchouameni’s Bernabeu switch was of course made official earlier today.

On the back of weeks of rampant speculation, and links to a number of the continent’s biggest clubs, Real ultimately did what was required to strike a deal with Monaco, tying the club’s latest addition down to a long-term contract.

As per an announcement across Los Blancos’ website and social media platforms:

‘Real Madrid C. F. and AS Monaco have reached an agreement over the transfer of Aurélien Tchouaméni, who joins the club on a six-year deal.

‘Tchouaméni will be unveiled on Tuesday 14 June at Real Madrid City at 12:00 (CET) following his medical.’

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Official Announcement: Tchouaméni.#RealMadrid | #WelcomeTchouaméni

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) June 11, 2022

Tchouameni’s addition, of course, is viewed as quite the coup for Real Madrid, with the 22-year-old widely regarded as one of world football’s next great midfielders.

Despite being fresh off a La Liga and Champions League double, Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded squad has now been reinforced to its very core by means of two elite summer signings, in the form of the French international, and free agent defender Antonio Rudiger.

And, as alluded to above, one individual who certainly appears to approve of the latest piece of high-profile business carried out by the transfer team at the Bernabeu comes in the form of Karim Benzema.

Hitman Benzema is of course fully accustomed to the talents possessed by Tchouameni, having lined out alongside the midfielder at international level on several occasions.

In turn, it should come as little surprise to hear of the 34-year-old’s delight with his compatriot’s arrival, with Benzema, on Saturday evening, having taken to the comments section of a post on Real’s Instagram account to unveil the simple message:

‘Vamonos’ – Meaning let’s go in English.

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Benzema’s approval ✅ pic.twitter.com/y2u8RSvYOI

— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) June 11, 2022

 

The latest on Chelsea and Real Madrid’s battle for Gabriel Slonina

Contrasting claims emerge surrounding Frenkie de Jong’s stance on Man United switch

 

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