Football news LIVE: Fabregas retires, Szoboszlai in Liverpool medical, Leicester announce Coady and Winks, Man United contact Onana amid De Gea uncertainty

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• Dominik Szoboszlai has reportedly now signed his contract to sign for Liverpool from RB Leipzig.

  According to Fabrizio Romano, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder will join the club on a five-year contract until June 2028 after they triggered his €70million (£60.1million) release clause.

  His medical has already been completed and an official announcement appears imminent.

• Mason Greenwood has reportedly been contacted by Jose Mourinho about a potential loan move to Roma.

  The 21-year-old Manchester United attacker had charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive and controlling behaviour dropped in February.

  As things stand though, Greenwood’s is still suspended by United, as he has been since his arrest in January 2022.

  Recent reports have suggested that the club were considering sending him out on loan, and now SunSport claim that his former manager Mourinho has made an approach to take him to Roma.

  A source is reported to have said: “Jose rang Mason’s dad and also spoke with Mason.

  “He told him the best way out of his current situation is to start playing football — and that eventually all the hassle will fade away.

  “Mason was pleased that he got in touch and it has lifted his spirits.

  “He wants to get back playing and is just waiting for United to tell him what the future holds.”

  

• England were unable to make the most of their chances as they were held to a goalless draw by Portugal in their send-off warm-up match at Stadium MK ahead of the Women’s World Cup.

  Georgia Stanway sent an effort against the bar, Lucy Bronze’s header hit the post and substitute Alessia Russo was denied by a goalline block as the European champions created a number of opportunities to no avail.

  Other notable moments included Lauren Hemp heading over and Russo firing wide from fine positions in a somewhat frustrating last home game for the Lionesses before departing the country for this summer’s showpiece in Australia and New Zealand.

  Sarina Wiegman’s players fly to Australia on Wednesday and face Canada behind closed doors in another, final warm-up on July 14 before opening their World Cup campaign against Haiti in Brisbane eight days later.

  

• Cesc Fabregas has announced his retirement from football.

  The former Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder last played for Como in Serie B.

  In his 20-year playing career he won a hatful of major trophies with the Gunners, the Blues and Barca – including two FA Cups, two Premier League titles and one LaLiga crown.

  He also won it all at international level, lifting the World Cup and European Championship trophies with Spain.

  In a statement, the 36-year-old said: “It is with great sadness that the time has come for me to hang up my playing boots.

  “From lifting the World Cup, the Euros, to winning everything in England and Spain and nearly all the European trophies, it has been a journey that I’ll never forget.

  “After 20 incredible years full of sacrifice, dedication and joy, it’s time to say thank you and goodbye to the beautiful game.”

  

• West Ham have announced the appointment of Tim Steidten as the club’s new technical director.

  The Hammers have confirmed the German will be responsible for the club’s recruitment and will work closely with manager David Moyes and sporting director Mark Noble.

  Steidten arrives at the London Stadium having performed a similar roles at Bayer Leverkusen and Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga.

  He is known for his data-led approach to scouting and for ‘recruiting a number of unheralded gems before nurturing them into highly-coveted stars’.

  His arrival coincides with the £105million windfall West Ham are set to receive in the coming days from Declan Rice’s imminent transfer to Arsenal.

  Steidten said in a statement: “I am extremely proud to be joining West Ham United, at such an exciting time in this club’s incredible history.

  “Building on the club’s recent European success, there is already a fantastic team in place, but also so much ambition – from the board, the manager, his staff and the players – to continue succeeding, developing and growing.

  “I cannot wait to play a key part in that. Come on you Irons!”

  We are delighted to announce the appointment of Tim Steidten as the Club’s Technical Director.

  — West Ham United (@WestHam) July 1, 2023

• Liverpool are the most ‘likely destination’ for Romeo Lavia this summer.

  That’s according to the Athletic’s Southampton reporter Jacob Tanswell, who spoke to Empire of the Kop about the 19-year-old former Man City midfielder.

  Lavia is set to leave St Mary’s this season following the club’s relegation, and has been linked with moves to a number of Premier League teams.

  But it appears Liverpool could be leading the race for the highly-rated ace.

  “Liverpool or Chelsea,” said Tanswell.

  “I probably think Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp and with the background [work] they’ve done on him.

  “That probably looks the likely destination.”

  

• Conor Coady joins Leicester having spent last season on loan at Everton – helping the Toffees beat the Foxes to Premier League survival.

  But he has now followed the relegated club to the Championship and says he ‘can’t wait to get started’ as he looks to help them seal a return to the top flight.

  Speaking to LCFC TV, Coady said: “I’m absolutely over the moon. I couldn’t wait to get down here, to obviously see everyone and get everything signed and boxed off. Now I’m here, I’m massively excited. I’ve been massively excited all summer to be fair and it’s something I was desperate to get done.

  “I’ve played against the Club numerous times and it’s so, so hard playing against Leicester City. That’s something we need to take into the season. This place is incredible, I think it’s the best training ground I’ve ever seen in my life. It’s got absolutely everything so there’s no excuses for us going forward into the new campaign.

  “Knowing a few of the lads here as well and how they speak of the Football Club, but looking at Leicester City as a whole, it’s such an exciting place to be. I’m massively excited about joining so it wasn’t a hard decision. As soon as I heard of the interest, it was something I wanted to pursue. I can’t wait to get started.”

  

• Leicester have announced their second signing of the day – England international defender Conor Coady.

  The experienced centre-back has penned a three-year contract with the Foxes, who have paid Wolves £7.5million for his services.

  The fee will rise to £8.5m if Leicester are promoted back to the Premier League this season.

  FULL STORY

  

• Footage has emerged of Dominik Szoboszlai arriving in Liverpool ahead of his medical with the Reds.

  The Hungarian midfielder is set to join the Merseyside outfit from RB Leipzig after they triggered his £60million release clause moments before it expired on Friday night.

  So it appears Reds fans can start getting excited about their latest incoming signing.

  The Anfield outfit have already brought in World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton, with Jurgen Klopp making good on his promise to revamp his midfield this summer.

• Prime Hydration – the uber-popular drink owned by social media stars KSI and Logan Paul – has announced a deal with Barcelona.

  Prime already sponsors Arsenal and the UFC, but the viral drinks start-up has gone to new heights by becoming the official hydration partner of one of the world’s biggest football brands.

  It’s been some journey for boxing rivals-turned-business partners KSI and Paul, who only launched the company 17 months ago in January 2022.

  Now they are one of the most popular drinks brands in the world, boasting a cult following, which over $250million in stock sold in its first year.

• Tom Cleverley has announced his retirement from football due to injury.

  The former Manchester United ace has hung up his boots having spent the last six seasons of his career at Watford, where he made 181 appearances.

  The Hornets have thanked the midfielder for his service and teased that some ‘exciting news’ is on its way that will be announced jointly by the Championship club and the player.

  In a lengthy post in Instagram, Cleverley wrote: “Today I am announcing my retirement from football as a player.

  “The last year has been immensely difficult trying to overcome the obstacles of injury. Unfortunately my body has failed me and just hasn’t got the capacity to perform anymore.

  “I haven’t done much reflection just yet, but I’m trying to focus on a positive future and I’m excited about what that’s going to bring.

  “I would like to thank staff, teammates and fans at Leicester, Wigan, Aston Villa, Everton and England.

  “Special mentions must go to Manchester United, especially Paul McGuiness and Sir Alex Ferguson. The people and the club that gave me the foundations as a player and person and also the club that made my dreams come true. To come through the academy and represent the first team gives me immense pride.

  “To all those involved with Watford Football Club. I have the privilege of calling this club home. To captain this club has been an honour and the staff, players and fans will forever be in my heart. The love you have shown me as a young loanee up to the moment I retire as a grown man I can never repay.

  “Finally the love and support of my wife, children, mum, dad and agent. I know it hasn’t been easy on you guys at times but none of this would have been possible without you.”

  

• Harry Winks has said he is relishing the challenge as looks to help Leicester to secure an immediate return to the Premier League following their relegation last season.

  Speaking to LCFC TV, he said: “I’m delighted. I’m really excited for the challenge ahead. It’s an amazing club with great history and the facilities are incredible. I’m just so happy to be here and ready to get going.

  “I’m looking forward to getting started, to have a full pre-season with the team and come here early to get ready for the games coming up. It’s going to be an important few weeks to get everyone ready and to push myself getting fit. 

  “I’m also looking forward to a new challenge and to challenge myself. Coming to a club like Leicester is the perfect chance to do that.

  “Hopefully we can get back to the Premier League.”

  

• Leicester City have announced the signing of Harry Winks from Tottenham.

  The ten-capped England international has penned a three-year-deal with the Championship side for a fee of £10million, talkSPORT understands.

  The transfer ends Winks’ long association with Spurs, having spent the last 21 years at his boyhood club.

  Winks made his first-team debut in 2014 under Mauricio Pochettino and went on to make 205 appearances for the north London side, scoring five goals and providing six assists.

  But the 27-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium over the last few years, and was sent out on a season-long loan to Italian side Sampdoria last season.

  He made 20 appearances as they were relegated from Serie A, finishing the campaign bottom of the table.

  Leicester have already sold James Maddison to Spurs, with midfielder Winks now heading the other way in a separate deal.

• Tony Cascarino believes Chelsea could complete one of the ‘best signings of the summer’ if they land Moises Caicedo from Brighton.

  The midfielder is reportedly in talks over a £75million switch to Stamford Bridge, which could be done soon.

  And former Blues striker Cascarino says it’s vital they get the deal over the line as they seek a replacement for N’Golo Kante following his move to Saudi Arabia.

  “I think this is a necessity for Chelsea,” said the talkSPORT Weekend Sports Breakfast host.

  “Losing N’Golo Kante, it’s now about who is the next best thing and who can they have for a long time?

  “Moises Caicedo fits that bill and he allows Enzo Fernandez to play higher up the pitch, which I think is where he is best suited.

  “Caidedo is such a great athlete, he gets around the pitch and robs the ball off the opposition all the time and he sets the play up.

  “I think it will be one of the best signings of the summer if they can get that one over the line.”

  

• Chelsea have announced the signing of Portugal Under-21 star Diego Moreira from Benfica.

  A club statement read: “The winger, whose father Almami was a Guinea-Bissau international, joined Benfica from Standard Liege in 2020 and played an important role in the club’s 2022 UEFA Youth League triumph. The 18-year-old grabbed two assists in the final, which saw Salzburg defeated 6-0.

  “Moreira featured regularly for Benfica B last term having already made his senior debut. That came against Pacos de Ferreira in May 2022.

  “The winger is currently representing his country at the European Under-21 Championship and has featured against the Netherlands and Belgium.

  “Welcome to Chelsea, Diego!”

• Aston Villa have officially unveiled Youri Tielemans after signing the former Leicester City midfielder.

  Speaking in his first interview as a Villa player, the Belgium international said: “When I had a few chats with the manager, his ambition, his passion and the way he led the team impressed me and made me decide to come to Aston Villa.

  “It’s a big club. I’m really excited. It’s a new challenge for me after four-and-a-half years at Leicester. It’s been a good time but now is the time to move on for myself and my family. Now I’m at Aston Villa, I’m really looking forward to it. I can’t wait to get started.

  “Playing in Europe is always a great achievement, and the way the manager led the team back to Europe is an amazing achievement. We have to be ready for it. European cup competitions are always special. They will hopefully be some good nights.”

• It’s July 1, which means there is a host of top Premier League talent waking up this morning without a club after their contracts expired.

  The 2022/23 season is now well and truly behind us, and the start of July has seen some big-name stars immediately come on the market and at a bargain price – free!

  David de Gea is a name on everybody’s lips with his contract officially up at Old Trafford, but Manchester United have confirmed that ‘discussions remain open with the long-serving keeper’ over a possible extension.

  For now, though, his contract as a Red Devil has expired – so there is every chance he could decide to join another team.

  The list of top players still up for grabs certainly makes for very interesting reading, indeed. Would you want any of these names at your club?

  Here talkSPORT.com has listed the top players who have woken up unemployed on July 1 and are now available on a free transfer…

  • David de Gea (Manchester United)
  • Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
  • Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)Lucas Moura (Tottenham)
  • Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Liverpool)
  • Jesse Lingard (Nottingham Forest)
  • Willian (Fulham)Adama Traore (Wolves)
  • Manuel Lanzini (West Ham)
  • Ainsley Maitland-Niles (Arsenal)

  

• More quotes from Inter Milan CEO Beppe Marotta, who also opened up on the Romelu Lukaku situation, with the striker’s future still uncertain.

  Lukaku’s loan at Inter has expired, which means he is currently due to return to Chelsea.

  But the clubs are said to have been in talks over a possible transfer back to the San Siro, while a move to Saudi Arabia is also said to have been an option.

  “Chelsea will consider if Lukaku is important for their project,” said Marotta.

  “Obviously, they can’t put him on the market for a big fee.

  “The offer from Saudi Arabia was around €50m.

  “That’s a long way from the €115m we sold him for.”

  

• Chelsea have announced the signing of Alex Matos from Norwich City.

  A club statement reads: “Capable of playing in midfield and attack, Matos featured for Norwich’s Under-18s and Under-21s last season. He scored three goals in the Premier League 2 for the latter.

  “An England international at schoolboy level, Matos joined Norwich from Luton Town in 2016 and struck on his first outing for the Canaries’ youth team against Arsenal shortly after his 16th birthday.

  “The 18-year-old averaged a goal involvement per game – five goals, six assists – in his first 11 appearances at that level and became a regular for Norwich’s Under-18s during the 2022/23 campaign, in which he was also handed his debut for the Under-21s.

  “Welcome to Chelsea, Alex!”

• RB Leipzig have given Dominik Szoboszlai permission to travel to Merseyside and undergo a medical at Liverpool.

  The Reds triggered the Hungary midfielder’s £60million release clause moments before it expired on Friday night.

  Szoboszlai is now free to negotiate personal terms and complete medical tests ahead of a move to Jurgen Klopp’s side.

  

• Manchester United have ‘expressed an interest’ in goalkeeper Andre Onana, according to Inter Milan CEO Beppe Marotta.

  The 27-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag looks ahead to next season.

  Onana played under Ten Hag at Ajax and according to Inter’s chief, steps have been taken by United to reunite the pair.

  Marotta said: “Manchester United have expressed an interest (in Onana) which may or may not lead to an offer in the next few days. 

  “Once that happens, both Inter and the player will carefully assess it.”

  Onana’s future hinges on the contract drama surrounding David de Gea.

  The Spaniard officially became a free agent on Saturday after his contract expired – but United remain in talks over a possible new deal.

  

• That’s it for today on talkSPORT.com’s transfer news blog.

  We’ll be back in the morning with the latest on all the big transfer news and football stories.

• Jason Cundy has hit out at Chelsea for allowing Mason Mount’s situation to get to the point where he leaves for Manchester United.

  The Blues have agreed a deal worth up to £60million to allow their academy star to join their rivals at Old Trafford, something that The Sports Bar host has described as ‘catastrophic’.

  He said: “I’ve watched Mase and I’ve followed his career. I do Chelsea TV so I’ve been lucky enough to document his career over the years,” Cundy explained.

  “Watched him. he went to Vitesse, was an absolute rising star over there. Come back, went to Derby, a rising star. He’s done what everyone else at Chelsea football club and the academy [thought he’d do].

  “They all predicted this. Something went catastrophically wrong with the club between him [and them]. I’ve got no idea how it happened.

  “What I’m saying is he’s developed into a fine young footballer.”

  

• Chelsea have announced the signing of Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal.Jackson has signed an eight-year contract at Stamford Bridge.The Blues’ co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: “We are excited to welcome Nicolas to Chelsea.“He is a young player with big potential, as he showcased for Villarreal last season.“We believe he is ready for this next step in his career and look forward to him working with our new head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, and his Chelsea teammates.”https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1674844247151738902