On the field, a dramatic run to the Women’s European Championship final has been far from plain sailing for England boss Sarina Wiegman.
No player will leave on the cheap – Amorim
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim insists the club will not sell unwanted players on the cheap and he is prepared to welcome them back into the fold if necessary.
Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia were left out of the tour of the United States and have been training at the club’s Carrington complex.
United’s recent transfer dealings have been widely criticised and Amorim said chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Jason Wilcox would not be taken advantage of just to get rid of those surplus to requirements.
“I know for a fact that these people, Omar and Jason, and the club have a number (price) for these players. If they don’t reach that, they will be Manchester United players, no doubt about that,” said the United boss.
“I understand clubs are maybe waiting for the last minute, but they can have a surprise and I’m ready. I’m ready to receive the players.”
Bayern back for Diaz
New Liverpool signing Hugo Ekitike’s admission he wants to be a multi-functional forward could have implications for the future of Luis Diaz.
The PA news agency understands Bayern Munich have returned to discussions with the Premier League champions having had an initial offer of 67.5million euro (£59million) dismissed last week.
Liverpool have maintained they do not want to sell the forward, who has also attracted interest from Barcelona, and Bayern’s bid was way below their own valuation of 100m euros (£87m) for an elite forward in the global market.
Diaz, 29 in January, has two years left on his current deal but has not yet been offered a new contract.
However, Ekitike’s arrival in a £79m deal – and Liverpool’s continued interest in Alexander Isak, who has reportedly told Newcastle he wants to leave – could provide an escape route for Diaz if the Bundesliga champions can come up with an appropriate offer.
Lionesses “nearly killed” Wiegman – Toone
Midfielder Ella Toone joked England have “nearly killed” Sarina Wiegman en route to booking their boss a trip to an unprecedented fifth straight major tournament final in dramatic style.
No other head coach in the men’s or women’s game has achieved that feat. On Sunday against Spain Wiegman could secure a hat-trick of European championship trophies after winning with the Netherlands in 2017 and England in 2022.
The Lionesses’ title defence has required two consecutive stunning comebacks.
“I think we’ve nearly killed her twice this tournament. She’s said we’ve definitely aged her,” said Toone.
Trafford returns to City
Manchester City have agreed a deal to bring goalkeeper James Trafford back to the club from Burnley.
The PA news agency understands City will pay £27million for the England Under-21 international, beating Newcastle to his signing after activating a matching rights clause included when Trafford was sold to Burnley for £14million in 2023.
Trafford, who joined City’s academy at the age of 12 but never made a first-team appearance, has agreed a five-year contract with the option of a further 12 months.
City’s German goalkeeper Stefan Ortega could now depart in search of a regular starting spot, with the club keen to keep Ederson despite speculation linking the Brazilian with a move away.
