Tag: juventus

Douglas Luiz keen on swift Premier League return as two clubs eye up swoop

Douglas Luiz is willing to return to the Premier League less than seven months after his departure from Aston Villa, talkSPORT understands.

And the Brazilian isn’t short of interest, with two clubs in the English top-flight keeping tabs on his current situation in Turin.

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Luiz hasn’t had a happy time in Italy since he left Aston VillaCredit: Getty

Luiz joined Serie A giants Juventus from Villa last June for a cool £42.3million, with Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea moving in the opposite direction.

However, Luiz’s transfer has not gone to plan.

Of the 26-year-old’s 16 appearances across all competitions this term, just three of them have been starts.

Juventus boss Thiago Motta has instead preferred a midfield pivot of Manuel Locatelli and Khephren Thuram while Teun Koopmeiners operates as the attacking midfielder.

As a result of his lack of game time, talkSPORT understands Villa and Manchester City are open to offering Luiz an exit route.

Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, chief football correspondent Alex Crook shed light on the transfer situation surrounding the Brazilian.

“He’s (Luiz) keen to come back to the Premier League,” Crook said.

“I think his old club, Aston Villa, are monitoring the situation.”

Crook added he checked some time ago whether City, who had Luiz on their books before selling him to Villa in 2019, were in the market for him.

The Premier League champions played down talk of a move, but Crook revealed the situation has changed.

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Luiz left Villa last summer, but could return to the club in a shock January switchCredit: Getty

“Since then, I have been told on good authority they are looking for a defensive midfielder,” Crook said.

Crook added: “I think it’s that midfield area Pep Guardiola himself admitted to me after they drew at Brentford that it’s a problem for them.

“If it’s an easy deal to do, then I can see that City would be interested. Certainly I think it’s one to keep an eye on.”

City have been in desperate need of defensive midfield reinforcements since Ballon d’Or winner Rodri tore his ACL against Arsenal earlier this season.

With the Spaniard gone for the season, Guardiola has had to rely on Mateo Kovacic as his primary option at the base of midfield.

Ilkay Gundogan is also on City’s books, but at age 34, the German is not the phenom he once was.

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Guardiola is keen to bring in a defensive midfielder in JanuaryCredit: Getty

Given City are still competing on three fronts this season, Guardiola is under no illusion he needs some fresh faces.

City have already made a big splash in the January window, as talkSPORT understands they are closing in on an agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt for forward Omar Marmoush.

The club has also agreed a £33m deal plus add-ons with Lens for centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov.

City’s activity in the transfer market follows their improved run of form as they are unbeaten in their last six games across all competitions.

Guardiola’s side have also smashed home a whopping 23 goals in that space, including a 6-0 mauling of Ipswich Town on Sunday.

City will look to keep their impressive performances as they travel to take on Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.

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Villa and City are currently competing for a top four spot

Football couple Alisha Lehmann and Douglas Luiz show off their skills at the beach after pair left Aston Villa for Juventus

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January 20, 2025
Arsenal step up striker chase in transfer domino which could lead to Spurs blow

Arsenal are looking to reignite their long-term interest in Dusan Vlahovic, talkSPORT understands.

The Juventus star has 18 months remaining on his contract with the Italian side and has so far shown no indication that he’s willing to pen fresh terms.

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Arsenal could make a move to bring Vlahovic to the Emirates this monthCredit: Getty

As a result, Juve are open to offload him – but only if they bring in a replacement for the Serbia international.

It’s understood that a loan is the most likely option for the player, with Arsenal now considering their options.

In a classic transfer domino effect, the Gunners’ pursuit could be aided if their fierce rivals miss out on a target.

That’s because Juventus are confident of beating Tottenham to the signing of Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain.

A deal for the PSG forward would pave the way for Vlahovic to move on from the Old Lady, freeing Arsenal up to make a move.

Vlahovic has scored 53 goals in 124 games since joining Juventus from Fiorentina, including 12 in 23 so far this term.

The Serbian striker was a top target for Arsenal in January 2022, but opted to join Juve instead in a deal worth £66million.

talkSPORT understands Vlahovic was offered to Manchester United in a swap deal for Joshua Zirkzee earlier this month.

Though it appears the Dutchman is willing to fight for his future under Ruben Amorim – just six months after arriving from Bologna.

For Arsenal, the need for a new striker has stepped up in recent days.

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Vlahovic is a long-term target for Arsenal who need a strikerCredit: Getty

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That is in part down to the injury picked up by Gabriel JesusCredit: AFP

That is due to the significant injury blow suffered by Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian forward picked up the injury in an awkward collision with Bruno Fernandes in the FA Cup third round defeat to United on Sunday.

Jesus left the pitch on a stretcher and looked in serious discomfort, with Mikel Arteta admitting post-match that the prognosis wasn’t good.

Speaking immediately after the match, Arteta said: “No update, but it’s not looking good.

“He was in quite a lot of pain, he had to come off on a stretcher and it’s not looking good.”

As it stands, Kai Havertz, who was guilty of a shocker in the FA Cup exit to United, is the club’s only recognised striker.

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Vlahovic has been directly involved in eight Serie A goals this season

Mikel Arteta’s only other options would be to deploy wingers Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli in a false No.9 role.

The club’s situation led to Arsenal fan Piers Morgan urging his club to ‘break the bank’ to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle during his appearance on the talkSPORT Breakfast show on Monday.

However with Eddie Howe‘s side unlikely to sell their star man for less than a nine-figure fee, a move for Vlahovic could be a more cost-effective deal.

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January 14, 2025
European giants could hand Rashford stunning career lifeline away from United

Marcus Rashford has a number of Europe’s biggest clubs queuing up to sign him on loan, with AC Milan making the first move over a potential move.

The Manchester United forward is pushing for a switch in January after being left in the cold by new manager Ruben Amorim.

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Rashford looks destined to leave Old Trafford in the winter windowCredit: Getty

talkSPORT understands the Red Devils are resigned to the fact they cannot sell Rashford this month and a loan deal is their only option.

The Athletic reports Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Juventus and unnamed Premier League clubs have registered their interest in a loan deal for the 27-year-old.

It also reports that Rashford’s representatives held exploratory talks over a potential move.

Rashford’s brother, Dwayne Maynard, is said to have flown to Milan on Tuesday to hold discussions with recruitment staff at the Serie A side.

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A move to Dortmund would see Rashford follow the same path as Jadon Sancho – who was exiled by ex-manager Erik ten Hag and loaned back to the German club during the 2023/24 campaign.

With Sancho now on-loan at Chelsea and expected to join the Blues permanently in the summer, fellow English talent Jamie Gittens has been thriving on the left side of Dortmund’s attack this season.

Reacting to the reports, talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook said: “There’s rumours in Italy that AC Milan and Juventus are interested in him.

“I’ve been told in the last hour or so that when it comes to Marcus Rashford, United are resigned to the fact they’re not going to be able to sell him this month.

“The best-case scenario is that they send him out on loan and find a club who are willing to take on the burden of his wages.

“But I still think they’re going to have to contribute significantly to that.

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Amorim has continued to leave Rashford out of his squadsCredit: Getty

“It could happen later in the window. It wouldn’t surprise me if there’s a Raheem Sterling to Arsenal-type deal where he goes on loan and Man United still end up picking up most of the tab for his wages.”

Napoli have also been credited with an interest in Rashford, with the possibility of Victor Osimhen joining United in a swap deal.

Rashford has already rejected offers to join the Saudi Pro League in the hope of reviving his England career.

The Red Devils academy graduate has not played under Amorim since scoring twice in a 4-0 win over Everton on December 1.

He sat down with Henry Winter for a bombshell interview later that month, admitting he is ready for a new challenge, much to Amorim’s frustration.

Rashford is thought to be United’s highest-earner, on more than £300,000-a-week – and he remains their joint-top scorer in the Premier League this season alongside Bruno Fernandes.

Top football agent explains how Marcus Rashford could end up at Napoli in a swap deal with Victor Osimhen going to Manchester United

However, the England forward has struggled to meet lofty expectations since his prolific 2022/23 season.

After joining United at the age of eight, Rashford burst onto the scene as a teenager in 2016, and this is his tenth season with the senior team.

He has 138 goals in 427 appearances during that time.

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January 7, 2025
Man United receive shock swap offer from Juventus for striker Joshua Zirkzee

Juventus have offered Dusan Vlahovic to Manchester United as part of a deal for Joshua Zirkzee, talkSPORT understands.

Zirkzee has endured a difficult start to life at United since signing in a £36.5million deal from Bologna in the summer.

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Zirkzee could leave United just six months after he signedCredit: Getty

The Dutchman has scored only three Premier League goals and was sarcastically cheered off by fans in their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle last week.

United fans showed their support for Zirkzee by chanting his name during their 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

However, talkSPORT understands that a return to Italy could be on the cards just six months following his arrival in England.

And Juventus are just one club that are keen on securing the 23-year-old’s services.

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The Serie A giants have offered striker Vlahovic to United as part of a surprise swap deal for Zirkzee this month.

Vlahovic has just 18 months left on his deal in Turin, and has shown no sign yet that he plans to extend his stay.

And this has seen Old Lady chiefs look for a creative way to benefit from the ex-Fiorentina star’s possible exit.

The Serbia international, who joined Juve in January 2022 for around £67million, is the club’s top scorer this season with 12 goals in all competitions.

A move to the Premier League has long been mooted for the player, with talkSPORT reporting in October how Arsenal have been monitoring developments regarding their long-term transfer target.

Chelsea are also known admirers of Vlahovic, but a move to United would offer him the best chance to prove himself in the Premier League.

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Juventus have offered Vlahovic as part of a dealCredit: Getty

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Vlahovic has been directly involved in eight Serie A goals this season

Vlahovic would compete with Rasmus Hojlund for a starting role in the attack under Amorim.

The proposed swap deal could also spark a turnaround in form for Zirkzee, who would be heading back to Serie A.

He scored 13 goals in the Italian top-flight during his stints at Parma and Bologna, all of which came at the latter.

Should the deal go through, United will hope the arrival of Vlahovic will boost their chances of salvaging some success this season.

Amorim’s side are 13th in the Premier League after 20 games played, just six of which have ended in victory.

United came from behind against rivals Liverpool to equalise through Amad Diallo in an enthralling encounter in Merseyside.

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January 6, 2025
Extraordinary stat emerges with Man City worse than FIFA’s lowest ranked nation

Manchester City are officially worse than San Marino – well, sort of.

Pep Guardiola‘s side continue to be stuck in a major rut after losing 2-0 to Juventus on Wednesday night in the Champions League.

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Guardiola’s side are having a torrid time at the momentCredit: PA

As well as leaving their hopes of reaching the next round in jeopardy, it’s a result that seen their record over ten games hit a new low.

In the last ten fixtures, Man City have won just once – the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League last week.

By comparison, even FIFA’s lowest-ranked international team has won more in the same time frame.

That’s because San Marino claimed two victories over Liechtenstein in their UEFA Nations League campaign, meaning that they have won one more game in their last ten than City have managed.

What’s worse for the Premier League champions, in their last ten games they’ve also lost an incredible seven.

They’ve also conceded goals in nine of those matches, but it gets even worse.

City have now conceded 21 goals since the beginning of November in all competitions.

That means that, incredibly, they’ve conceded more goals than any side in Europe’s top five leagues.

The 2-0 defeat to Juventus means that City’s hopes of progressing are hanging by a thread.

Two wins, two draws and two defeats in their six Champions League league phase fixtures means that the 2023 Champions League winners have slumped down to 22nd in Europe’s 36-team table.

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Guardiola is feeling the heat after a torrid run of form

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It’s been a tough time for Guardiola and co

They are just one point and three places away from dropping out of the play-offs and being eliminated from the competition.

City now have two games to save their Champions League campaign.

Those matches will be played after Christmas with fixtures against Paris Saint-Germain on January 22 before hosting Club Brugge the following week.

The Citizens’ horror form has left Guardiola admitting he is questioning himself.

Speaking after the defeat in Turin, he said: “Of course I question myself, but I’m stable in good moments and bad moments.

“I try to find a way to do it. I’m incredibly honest. If we play good [I say] we played good and today I thought we played good.

“Our game will save us. We can do it. We conceded few chances compared to the Nottingham Forest game that we won. We’re making the right tempo.

“We missed the last pass, did not arrive in the six-yard box [at the right time] or have the composure at the right moment.

“But I love my team. This is life, it happens. Sometimes you have a bad period but I’m going to insist until we’re there.”

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December 12, 2024
Ex-Arsenal star reveals transfer decision made him retire earlier than planned

Wojciech Szczesny has revealed he planned to play for one more season but Juventus’ transfer dealings forced him into early retirement.

The ex-Arsenal goalkeeper called time on his career last month after seven seasons in Turin but the decision to hang up his gloves came sooner than he had anticipated.

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Szczesny called time on his career last month after leaving JuventusCredit: Getty

The former Poland international agreed to mutually terminate his contract with the Old Lady after realising he would not be part of new boss Thiago Motta’s plans.

The signing of Monza goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio put paid to any hopes of a fairytale swansong and Szczesny claims the abrupt exit wasn’t his choice.

“These seven seasons were not an easy challenge,” Szczesny told Luca Toselli’s YouTube channel.

“It’s fantastic when you have the adventure of a lifetime and you do so well. I still wanted to help the team this year, but it didn’t depend on me.

“I didn’t expect not to be part of the project. I’d never imagined it. I spoke very openly to [Juventus sporting director Cristiano] Giuntoli at the beginning of last season when we were supposed to discuss a contract extension.

“We sat down in a room for three minutes. I told him I would have retired at the end of 2024/25. Then, I started reading news articles about negotiations between the club and Di Gregorio.”

It has since come to light that Juventus’ plans to sign the highly-rated Di Gregorio were more than a flash in the pan.

Monza director Adriano Gallini revealed that Giuntoli had made contact with him over the goalkeeper at some point between January and February.

“I respect Di Gregorio,” Szczesny added. “I could imagine a scenario where [second-choice Juventus keeper] Mattia Perin wanted to go and he [Di Gregorio] would become the second-choice keeper.

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Szczesny spent eight years at Arsenal which included loan spells at Brentford and Roma

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Motta’s switch from Bologna to Juventus this summer appeared to spell the end for SzczesnyCredit: Getty

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Szczesny earned 84 caps for Poland and represented his nation at Euro 2024Credit: Getty

“I was convinced I’d stay at the end of last season. I read news about Di Gregorio, but I didn’t expect to remain out of the project. When Juventus closed the deal, we discussed contract termination. It was the club’s decision. I disagree with it, but I accept it.

“I wanted to play for one more season because I felt I could still give so much, but after Juventus, I was not ready for other challenges,” he added.

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“Even if I disagree with the club’s decision, I don’t have hard feelings towards Giuntoli. I respect the club. They were respectful during the summer. I will forever be a Juventus fan.”

Szczesny spent eight years at Arsenal before signing for Juventus in 2017. He played 252 times for the Serie A giants, helping them to three Serie A titles and three Coppa Italia successes.

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September 4, 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo is officially bigger than Man United and Lionel Messi

It’s official! Cristiano Ronaldo is BIGGER than both Manchester United and his fierce rival Lionel Messi.

That’s according to YouTube, where the Portuguese superstar continues to rack up subscribers – or ‘siubscribers’ as fans are calling them – at a record-breaking rate.

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Ronaldo has become a YouTube superpower literally overnightCredit: Getty

Ronaldo decided to try his hand at YouTube content creating earlier this week and immediately proved that he’s one of the most famous people on the planet.

Less than 90 minutes after seeing his channel go live, the 39-year-old’s channel passed the 1million subscriber mark – a record for the streaming site.

Since then, Ronaldo’s channel has showed little sign of slowing down with over 30million subscribers at the time of writing – a number that is certain to continue rising.

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As a result, Ronaldo has already attracted more subscribers than a number of key figures and clubs in his life.

CR7 has already attracted more subscribers than any team that he has played for in his career.

Sporting Lisbon (322,000), Manchester United (9.31m), Real Madrid (14.9m) and Juventus (8.41m) have all got less subscribers than the Portuguese superstar.

Sir Alex Ferguson once famously stated, ‘no player is bigger than the club’, but it appears Ronaldo and proven his legendary former boss wrong.

He has now even surpassed the most followed football team on YouTube in Barcelona, who boast a whopping 17.9m.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also has more subscribers than the Premier League (7.35m), the NFL (13m) and the UFC who hold 18.6m subscribers.

Ronaldo has also overtaken the huge subscriber figures held by FIFA (21.5m) and the NBA (22m).

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Ronaldo’s channel has already surpassed 17million subscribers

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The channel is designed to give an insight into his life with Georgina RodriguezCredit: YouTube/UR · Cristiano

In terms of sporting greats, Ronaldo is already flying high after surpassing the subscriber totals of Tom Brady (47.1k) and Lionel Messi 2.35m).

But in terms of global celebrities, Ronaldo still has some way to go to catch Taylor Swift – with the global pop superstar boasting 59.8m subscribers – meaning that he’s now over halfway to catching the pop sensation.

The most subscribed YouTube channel in the world belongs to MrBeast, who holds an incredible 311m subscribers – meaning that Ronaldo has his work cut out if he’s to become a GOAT in the YouTube space.

Cristiano Ronaldo launches new YouTube channel and first video sees him do a sports ‘This or That’ where he winces at Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal question

However, he has already overtaken a number of big-name influencers who dedicate their professional lives to YouTube – including IShowSpeed.

It left the American streamer to smash up his desk set-up – just a day after he asked his idol for a collaboration.

However with the Portuguese superstar’s drive to be the best, it would take a brave person to put it past him doing exactly that.

The channel is designed to give fans a glimpse into the player and his partner, Georgina Rodriguez’s life, whom he also hints he has secretly married.

Fans will also be hoping for behind the scenes footage of his career at Al Nassr, where he’ll be hoping to shine in the upcoming Saudi Pro League season.

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August 24, 2024
Man United focused on selling Greenwood as Serie A clubs enter three-way battle

Manchester United remain focused on selling Mason Greenwood this summer, talkSPORT understands.

The Red Devils are aiming to get as near to their £40million valuation for their academy product as possible.

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Greenwood looks set to move onCredit: Getty

Greenwood has strong interest from Lazio, Napoli and Juventus as well as clubs in Spain, Germany and Portugal.

Lazio had an offer worth in excess of £17million rejected earlier this year.

The 22-year-old has spent this season on loan with LaLiga side Getafe.

talkSPORT reported last month that the Spanish club had opened talks with Manchester United regarding a fresh loan move.

However he could make a permanent move elsewhere.

Man United announced last August that the striker would continue his career away from the club following an internal investigation.

That was following his arrest in January 2022 on suspicion of rape, assault and making threats to kill after images and videos surfaced online.

He was suspended by his club and denied all allegations.

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Greenwood was arrested two years agoCredit: AFP

All charges were then dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February 2023 due to ‘a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material’.

However United still conducted their internal investigation.

Greenwood last played for Man United on January 22, 2022 in a 1-0 win over West Ham.

He hasn’t been called up for England since 2020, with him making his only appearance for his country’s senior side in a 1-0 win against Iceland in the Nations League.

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June 26, 2024
Aston Villa and Juventus strike treble deal including £50m move for Douglas Luiz

Juventus have struck a deal to sign Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz in a €50million deal, talkSPORT understands.

talkSPORT reported that Unai Emery’s side have been considering a sale to ease their PSR [profit and sustainability rules] concerns.

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Luiz is set to swap Villa for Juventus this summerCredit: Getty

Arsenal have been long-term admirers of Luiz but it appears as though Juventus have won the race for the 26-year-old.

As part of the deal, Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea will both join Villa this summer.

Luiz was key to Villa’s successful season as they finished fourth in the Premier League and seal qualification for the Champions League.

He made 53 appearances across all competitions throughout the campaign, scoring ten goals and also assisting another ten.

The midfielder, who joined from Manchester City in 2019, will now leave Villa Park for the Serie A giants.

Emery’s side will now welcome former Chelsea youth star Iling-Junior to the club, with the 20-year-old an exciting midfielder.

Barrenechea, who plays in a defensive midfield role, will also complete a move to the Premier League outfit.

Villa are currently one of the most active clubs in the transfer market as they prepare for the new season.

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Iling-Junior will head to Villa ParkCredit: Getty

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So will Barrenechea, who spent last season on loan at FrosinoneCredit: Getty

They are set to sign Ian Maatsen from Chelsea after agreeing a deal in excess of £35million for the left-back.

In a separate deal, the Blues are on course to complete the transfer of Omari Kellyman from Villa in a move worth around £19million.

Real Madrid star and ex-Birmingham player Jude Bellingham makes playful joke about Aston Villa fans at his England send-off

Tim Iroegbunam has already left Villa and signed for Everton in a £9million deal.

Toffees winger Lewis Dobbin will head the other way in a separate transfer as Emery and co. build for the 2024/25 campaign.

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June 22, 2024
Jack Grealish training at Juventus facilities following Euro 2024 squad snub

Jack Grealish is back grafting and has been spotted training at Juventus’ facilities following his brutal Euro 2024 snub.

The Manchester City star was dropped from the England 33-man provisional squad ahead of the European Championship this summer.

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Grealish is still working hard this summerCredit: Jack Grealish Instagram

Gareth Southgate decided to leave the winger behind after a season where he managed just three goals with City in all competitions.

However, the 28-year-old is desperate to get back to top form and is already putting in the hard yards despite most players on their holidays.

Taking to social media, Grealish posted a video of himself in Italy where he was training at one of Juventus’ facilities.

The video showed the forward at the end of a training session, taking part in some intense work on one of Juve’s academy pitches.

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The caption read: “8pm, 25 degrees, perfect.”

Grealish saw his first-team chances drop last season after the arrival of Jeremy Doku, who can play on either flank.

Injuries also harmed the former Aston Villa ace and he was restricted to 20 appearances in the Premier League.

City still had a successful year, though, reclaiming their Premier League crown, though they could not replicate their treble glory after losing the FA Cup to Manchester United and crashing out of the Champions League to Real Madrid.

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Grealish was training on an academy pitch owned by JuventusCredit: Jack Grealish Instagram

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The pitch is connected to Juventus’ academyCredit: Instagram – @jackgrealish

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Grealish, who was part of the Euro 2020 and 2022 World Cup squad, was left out of the Euro 2024 squadCredit: Getty

England, meanwhile, have had a mixed start to their Euro 2024 campaign.

After narrowly beating Serbia in their opening match, they drew with Denmark following a turgid display.

Southgate has come under criticism for putting players out of position, including Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield.

Phil Foden has started both matches for England on the left-hand side, Grealish’s preferred position, but has not made much of an impact as of yet.

talkSPORT will bring you live commentary of EVERY game at Euro 2024. Tune in via the website or the app, and follow our live Euro 2024 blog for all the latest news, views and reaction to the big moments.

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June 22, 2024