Football news LIVE: Levy meets Bayern CEO, Alli reveals childhood trauma, Henderson and Fabinho consider Saudi Arabia offers, Rice to Arsenal latest

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

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

• Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy met with Bayern Munich’s CEO in London amid the reports about Harry Kane, it has been reported.

  The Athletic say that Levy met with Jan-Christian Dreesen, however, no fresh offer was made and no asking price has been given.

  The report adds that both clubs are on good terms and Kane will travel with the club on their pre-season tour of Asia and the Pacific.

  

• Arsenal have received an offer from Besiktas to sign Rob Holding, it has been reported.

  However, the Athletic reports the Turkish club’s bid for Holding falls far short of Arsenal’s valuation of Holding.

  Besiktas have submitted an offer of €2.5million (around £2.1m) and Arsenal are expected to reject it.

  The defender has one year left on his contract with the north London club, although Arsenal have an option to extend it by a further year.

  

• Leeds have announced that former club record signing Rodrigo has joined Qatari side Al Rayyan.

  United splashed out £27million when they signed the Spain forward from Valencia on a four-year deal in 2020 following their return to the Premier League.

  The 32-year-old went on to make 97 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 28 goals.

  A statement on the Leeds website said: “We thank Rodrigo for his efforts and wish him all the best for the future.”

  Rodrigo’s departure to the Qatar Stars League comes as relegated Leeds prepare for next season in the Sky Bet Championship under new manager Daniel Farke.

  The summer transfer window has already seen defenders Diego Llorente and Robin Koch and midfielder Brenden Aaronson leave United on season-long loans, joining Roma, Eintracht Frankfurt and Union Berlin respectively.

  

• A blow for Fulham – Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Willian, talkSPORT understands.

  It appeared the Brazilian was going to sign a new deal having seen his contract at Craven Cottage expire in the summer.

  But the transfer saga has taken another twist with the former Chelsea and Arsenal man now linked with Forest.

  talkSPORT understands that Fulham are still pushing to get Willian to stay although the player is eyeing a two-year contract.

  It’s been a tough week for Fulham in the transfer market as they’re in danger of losing star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and manager Marco Silva to lucrative Saudi Arabia moves.

  

• Christian Pulisic has left Chelsea to join AC Milan, it has been confirmed.

  The American joined the Blues from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2019 but has struggled to establish himself at Stamford Bridge despite flashes of brilliance.

  During his time at Chelsea, Pulisic played 145 games and scored 26 goals, leaving with Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup winners’ medals.

  Pulisic links up with former Chelsea teammates Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who joined Milan earlier this window, and Fikayo Tomori.

• West Ham have been promised the paperwork for Declan Rice’s move to Arsenal will be signed and delivered tomorrow.

  Rice is primed to join Arsenal in a £105million deal, a record deal involving a British player as well as being a record deal for the Gunners.

  It’s been reported that West Ham have been angered by the speed of the deal but Sky Sports says this shouldn’t be an issue in the near future.

  

• Former Liverpool man Jermaine Pennant can’t believe the wages Jordan Henderson is being offered for a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.

  The Reds captain has been heavily linked with a move to Al Ettifaq, who are managed by former Liverpool and England teammate Steven Gerrard.

  It’s reported the midfielder will take home an eye-watering wage of £700,000-a-week should he sign the contract, and Pennant believes this is rather excessive for someone of Henderson’s ability.

  “It’s crazy!” 😨

  “It’s Jordan Henderson not Messi!” 😡

  “Tell me a game where Henderson did something that stood out?!” 😤

  Jermaine Pennant and Andy Goldstein are baffled by the rumoured contract Jordan Henderson has been offered to join Al Ettifaq 😳 pic.twitter.com/wewy294Odi

  — talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) July 13, 2023

• The Prince of Wales has praised Dele Alli as ‘brave and inspirational’ for speaking out about his mental health struggles after he revealed he was sexually abused as a child.

  In an emotional interview, Alli told how he was ‘molested’ as a six-year-old and was dealing drugs aged eight, while he also spoke about alcohol problems, sleeping pill addiction and addressing his mental health issues by spending six weeks in a rehab clinic.

  The 27-year-old said he had contemplated hanging up his boots three years ago before leaving Tottenham for Everton in 2022, prompting an outpouring of support with Prince William, the NSPCC and England captain Harry Kane among those to applaud him.

  In a personal tweet, William wrote: “Brave and inspirational @dele_official. Discussing mental health is not a sign of weakness. Let’s keep the conversation going.

  “We’re all with you and we wish you the very best. W.”

  Brave and inspirational @dele_official. Discussing mental health is not a sign of weakness. Let’s keep the conversation going.

  We’re all with you and we wish you the very best. W https://t.co/25iffmKhSb

  — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 13, 2023

• Manchester United have no intention to pay £85.5million for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund.

  Reports this morning claimed Atalanta have put a €100million [£85.5m] price tag on the 20-year-old, which United see as ‘excessive’.

  talkSPORT understands the Red Devils will not meet that fee, putting a big question mark over their pursuit of the Danish star.

  It’s also been claimed United offered several players to Atalanta in a part-exchange deal, but the Serie A side weren’t interested in any of the stars put forward by the Premier League giants.

  

• Harry Kane has faced the gauntlet and come out alive, albeit without a few less taste buds, after taking on the Hot Ones challenge.

  The Tottenham and England striker was is the latest guest on the popular American talk show series ‘of hot question and even hotter wings’ as host Sean Evans quizzes A-list celebrities while they chow down on ten chicken wings that get hotter as they go.

  Kane looked set for 20 minutes of pain when he struggled with the first wing, but did his country proud as he came through barely breaking a sweat.

  Throughout the spicy interview, Kane was asked about a ‘special season’ as he broke Wayne Rooney’s England goal record and his dream to be an NFL kicker.

  He was also asked about his favourite crowd chant, to which he answered his ‘One of our own’ which is regularly sang by Tottenham fans.

  Which is ironic, considering he reportedly wants to join Bayern Munich this summer…

  You can watch the whole episode below!

• Real Madrid have refused to entertain offers for Aurelien Tchouameni amid reported interest from Premier League clubs.

  Arsenal have been linked with an interest in the 23-year-old French midfielder.

  But Spanish outlet Relevo claim Real Madrd have ‘closed the door’ on a potential exit for the young star and refused to negotiate with any club.

  

• Viktor Gyokeres has completed his move from Coventry to Sporting Lisbon.

  The Sky Blues did not disclose the fee received for the 25-year-old, but said it was a club-record. A percentage of the fee will be due to his former club Brighton.

  Reports have suggested Sporting will pay in the region of £20million for Gyokeres, with Coventry’s previous record the £13million received when Robbie Keane joined Inter Milan in 2000.

  Gyokeres scored 23 goals in 50 appearances last term to help Coventry to the Championship play-off final, where they lost to Luton on penalties.

  In all, he scored 43 goals in 116 appearances for the Sky Blues, who have already secured his replacement, having signed Ellis Simms from Everton for £3.5million last week.

  Coventry executive chairman Doug King said: “After a long discussion, we have finally concluded a deal that is right for all parties concerned and confirm the transfer of Viktor Gyokeres to Sporting Lisbon.

  “Viktor has made a huge impression in his time with us and leaves many great memories and we wish him every success with his new club.

  “We have already been active in the market as we rebuild for the new season and will continue to recruit selectively but these funds will also support the extensive infrastructure projects the club is undertaking.”

• Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara is being linked with a possible move back to Barcelona.

  Reports from Spanish outlet SPORT claim Barca are considering a move to bring the midfield maestro back to the Nou Camp.

  The former Spain international has entered the final year of his contract at Anfield, and a number of teams in Europe and, of course, the Middle East are interested.

  Jurgen Klopp is said to be keen to keep Thiago in his squad for the upcoming season, but the reports claim Liverpool will listen to reasonable offers for the 32-year-old.

  

• The offer on the table for Riyad Mahrez to move to Saudi Arabia is far larger than first claimed.

  Initial reports suggested Mahrez has been offered £25million-per-year to join the exodus to the Middle East – working out to £480,000-a-week.

  That’s less than the £700,000-a-week offered to Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.

  But talkSPORT understands the Man City winger has actually been offered a mega £45m-per-year to join Saudi club Al Ahli.

  That equates to around £865,000-a-week – a fee that would reflect his status as a five-time Premier League champion, certainly compared to Henderson.

  It’s also more than seven times his current £160,000-a-week salary at Man City.

  Woof.

  FULL STORY

  

• Gabby Agbonlahor and Alex Crook clashed on air over Jordan Henderson’s possible Liverpool exit to Saudi Arabia, where he has been offered a £700,000-a-week pay day.

  Agbonahlor: “Jordan Henderson, who’s a very generous guy, what can he do with that money? How many people can he help? What can he help build? What can he give back?

  “We don’t know what he wants to do. He’s done everything for Liverpool. Champions League, Premier League, he’s 33 years of age.

  “He will play next season, but how much will he play? New-look midfield, looking for another midfielder. Will he be a guaranteed starter? You’ve got to think of all these factors.

  “I don’t like when people say, ‘Oh, he’s got enough money’. What is enough money?”

  Crook: “I don’t think it makes any sense for Jordan Henderson at this moment in time.

  “Obviously, the money is astronomical, but he’s a wealthy man already. He earns nearly £200,000-a-week at Liverpool – is £1million-a-month not enough to live off?

  “There’s a European Championship coming at the end of the season. If he goes to Saudi Arabia, he can’t possibly be in Gareth Southgate’s thoughts for that.

  “I think he’ll play for Liverpool next season. He started a lot of games in the Premier League last season.

  “When you see the pictures that we’re doing around on social media of him in the gym, I mean, he looked toned up to perfection, didn’t he? That didn’t look like, to me, a player who thought his time in the Premier League was over.”

  👀 𝗔𝗖: “It doesn’t make sense! The money is astronomical but he’s a wealthy man already!”

  🤔 𝗚𝗔: “Money makes the world go around. How many people could he help with that money!”

  Gabby Agbonlahor & Alex Crook disagree AGAIN, this time over Jordan Henderson’s #LFC future. pic.twitter.com/nYNxsLcodT

  — talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) July 13, 2023

• Another Premier League star is being linked with a move to Saudi Arabia – this time Man City winger Riyad Mahrez.

  According to reports, Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli are ready to make a £30million bid for the 32-year-old, who has been offered wages of £25m-per-year to move to the Middle East.

  The Athletic claim Mahrez is considering the offer and could decide to stay put at the Etihad Stadium, with City not especially keen to sell him despite a decent offer for a player of his age and who has just two years left on his contract.

  Al Ahli have already signed ex-Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino and ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy this summer, but it’s claimed they would see five-time Premier League champion Mahrez as their marquee summer signing.

  

• Sheffield United have made Tunisia international Anis Slimane their first summer signing.

  The Blades have signed Slimane from Danish club Brondby on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee, understood to be around £1.2million.

  The 22-year-old midfielder, who played for Tunisia in last year’s World Cup, told the club’s official website: “I like the culture of the club. I heard it is a hard-working club and that reminds me of myself.

  “I love to work hard, and I love to give everything – leave everything out on the pitch. At this club, nothing is given, everything is worked for.

  “I had a really good talk with the club and the manager and I felt that they had the right plan for me. The manager was really honest and I am excited to be here and looking forward to the Premier League.

  “It is a big opportunity and a big challenge, I am not coming here for a vacation. I have been through a lot in my career so far, even though I’m only 22, but I still have a lot to learn, and I am looking forward to learning every day.”

• Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney is reportedly keen on rejoining former club Celtic.

  The Scot has been linked with a move away from the Emirates this summer having struggled with injuries that has caused him to fall down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta.

  The Mirror claim Celtic are now favourites ahead of Newcastle to secure his signature and Tierney is willing to take a pay cut to engineer a return to Glasgow.

  Get this and more latest Gunners news on our dedicated Arsenal live blog HERE

  

• talkSPORT has been told the reports surrounding Jordan Henderson and a possible move to Saudi Arabia are ‘very real’.

  Claims the Red captain could leave Anfield to join Steven Gerrard in the Middle East were quickly batted away at first, but Al Ettifaq are said to have since offered the midfielder huge wages of £700,000-a-week to make the move.

  It means Henderson is now seriously considering it, as confirmed by the Daily Mail’s Dom King.

  “The discussions that I’ve had over the last 48 hours, it’s very real,” he told White and Jordan when asked about the Henderson rumours.

  “It’s a situation where he could go. I think there are still lots of discussions to be had. He’s got to speak to Jurgen Klopp.

  “Another thing you have to take into effect is Liverpool would ask for a substantial transfer fee. It wouldn’t be a question of him just leaving just because Al Ettifaq want to sign him.

  “There’s still a lot to be ironed out, but it’s a very, very real option.”

  It has been claimed they Saudi club have offered £10million to Liverpool for the 33-year-old.

  

• Aaron Ramsey has agreed terms over a return to Cardiff City, talkSPORT understands.

  The Wales international is due to undergo a medical with the Championship club today, as the surprise transfer takes a step closer.

  Ramsey was another player courted by Saudi Arabia over a possible move to the after he was released by French club Nice.

  But the 32-year-old has turned down the opportunity for a big pay day in the Middle East to re-sign for boyhood club Cardiff instead.

  Ramsey, who played for the Bluebirds in an FA Cup final as a teenager, is understood to have rejected offers from Turkey, too.

  

• Everton have announced the signing of Ashley Young on a free transfer.

  The experienced 38-year-old defender has penned a one-year contract with the Toffees, and is the club’s first signing of the summer window.

  Young has worked with Sean Dyche before during his spell at Watford, and arrives after leaving Aston Villa at the end of last season.

  The 39-capped ex-England international said: “I’m delighted to be an Everton player and to have joined this massive club. I can’t wait for the season to start and walking out at Goodison Park is going to be an unbelievable feeling and to hear the passionate fans behind me.

  “The manager was important in me signing. I know him and know what his passion and desire is like. His honesty, will to work hard and his hunger for the game is second to none.

  “I know things haven’t gone too well for Everton in the past couple of seasons but the manager’s ambition, speaking to him and hearing what he wants to do to change the Club around, was a key factor in my decision.

  “The other is the size of Everton. It’s a massive club and the fanbase is one of the best. Having them behind me is a fantastic opportunity. I’m delighted to get the opportunity to be here and I just want to get started now.”

• Manchester United offered players to Atalanta in a player-plus-cash deal for Rasmus Hojlund – but the Italian club said no.

  The Athletic claims Atalanta have put a £85.5million price tag on the 20-year-old striker, which United see as ‘excessive’.

  They have tried to bring that price down by offering players, either on loan or in permanent transfers.

  Fred and Donny van der Beek are two Red Devils mentioned in the report who are deemed surplus to requirements and available in a possible transfer.

  But Atalanta reportedly ‘did not express any interest in the players proposed by United’.

  Instead, they want the transfer fee paid in full, and it means the Premier League giants may be forced to move on to other targets.

  

• Liverpool have confirmed Darwin Nunez as the club’s new No.9.

  The shirt was left vacant following Roberto Firmino’s release and subsequent move to Saudi Arabia.

  Nunez wore the No.27 shirt in his first season as a Red following his club-record arrival from Benfica.

  He wore the No.9 in Portugal, and now he’s got the traditional centre-forward shirt back.

  Liverpool have said fans who have already purchased their new 2023/24 kits printed with ‘Darwin’ and ‘27’ will be personally reimbursed by Nunez with a like-for-like exchange for a ‘Darwin 9’ shirt.

• Everton has issued a statement in support of Dele Alli following his eye-opening interview with Gary Neville.

  An Everton spokesperson said: “The club has been supporting Dele in both his return to fitness and overcoming the personal challenges highlighted in his interview with The Overlap.

  “Everyone at Everton respects and applauds Dele’s bravery to speak about the difficulties he has faced, as well as seek the help required.

  “The physical and mental welfare of all our players is of paramount importance. The club takes very seriously its responsibility in protecting the confidentiality of players and staff.

  “Dele will not be conducting any further interviews in relation to his rehabilitation, and we ask that his privacy is respected while he continues his recuperation from injury and receives the full care and support needed for his physical and mental wellbeing.”