THOMAS TUCHEL has signed a new contract that will keep him at Chelsea until the summer of 2024.
The German wrote himself into Blues folklore by winning the Champions League just months after joining the club.
Elsewhere, Paris Saint-German are reportedly hot on the heels of Cristiano Ronaldo as they seek a summer transfer.
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Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
- Joshua Jones
GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL FANS
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can splash £140million on new players this summer – while Thomas Tuchel celebrated his new Chelsea contract by vowing to IMPROVE their Champions League-winning squad.
United's executive co-chairman Joel Glazer said: “We will invest in our academy and the transfer market to support the manager in an effort to meet the club’s goals.”
He made it clear Solskjaer has a big transfer kitty – with Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho still a possible target.
And he also revealed significant plans to upgrade Old Trafford, as well as their training ground.
Tuchel, meanwhile, is being rewarded with a two-year extension and a pay rise on his existing £7m-a-year salary.
He said: “I cannot imagine a better occasion for a contract renewal.
“There is far more to come and we are looking forward to our next steps with ambition and much anticipation.”
Up to seven players could be leaving Manchester City, with midfielder Fernandinho on the list.
- Ian Tuckey
MAGUIRE REVEALS INJURY AGONY
Maguire, 28, said: “Myself and the United team had a really bad start. We did not get a good pre-season and started the season really slowly but we soon improved.
“At the time of the injury, I had been playing the best football of my career.
“I had been really happy with my game for a few months. I was playing with a lot of confidence and belief.
“My fitness levels before the injury were really good. I was playing week in, week out and that had put me in a really good place in terms of my defending and when I had possession.
“I have to remember that feeling when I was playing well and must work hard to be fit and be ready to go again and continue where I left off.”
- Ian Tuckey
MAGUIRE: I WAS IN FORM OF MY LIFE
Harry Maguire says missing Manchester United’s run-in was even tougher to take because he was in the form of his life.
The Old Trafford skipper is fighting to be fit for England at the Euros but is certain to miss the opener against Croatia on June 13.
Maguire was sidelined for United’s last five games – including the Europa League final loss to Villarreal – with ankle ligament damage.
It was a nightmare end to a campaign which started in turmoil following his arrest on the Greek island of Mykonos after a clash with police.
He has appealed his 21-month prison sentence, which is suspended for three years, but the retrial is unlikely to happen until 2022.
The defender suffered a difficult start to the season with United and England and was sent off in the Three Lions’ 1-0 Nations League defeat to Denmark at Wembley in October.
But he quickly regained top form to become a key man for United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
- Ian Tuckey
FULL PREM RELEASE LIST
Big names could be on their way out this summer – after Premier League clubs revealed their released list.
Here's our FULL GUIDE.
- Ian Tuckey
ROSE ON 9-MAN LIST OF OUTGOING SPURS STARS
Tottenham have released NINE players whose contracts expire at the end of the month.
And among those leaving are club stalwart Danny Rose and goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.
Youngsters Keenan Ferguson, George Marsh, Rodel Richards, Jack Roles, Aaron Skinner, Kazaiah Sterling and Shilow Tracey will also exit this summer.
Big changes are afoot at Spurs, with a new manager inbound to replace Jose Mourinho and interim Ryan Mason.
Antonio Conte is reportedly in line to take charge in north London.
But should he get the gig, the Premier League winner will be without left-back Rose.
- Ian Tuckey
JOSE: SPURS DROUGHT CAN FIRE UP HARRY
Jose Mourinho has backed Harry Kane to use his Tottenham trophy drought to fire him up for the Euros.
Despite his fine goalscoring form, England skipper Kane has endured another frustrating trophy-less season with Spurs – and is eyeing a move away this summer.
But old boss Mourinho believes the striker’s pain will stand him in good stead to lead the Three Lions on home turf.
Mourinho said: “Harry (Kane) is the one that has on his shoulders a lot.
“The country expects a lot from him. He expects a lot from himself.
“He’s the captain and he wants to win something. He’s not doing that with the club, so, of course, he’s going to try everything he can to do it with the Three Lions.”
- Ian Tuckey
22 PLAYERS ON PALACE RELEASE LIST
Crystal Palace have named TWENTY-TWO players on their end-of-season free transfer list.
Gary Cahill, Nathaniel Clyne and Andros Townsend are among those set to leave Selhurst Park as the Premier League side look to rebuild under a new manager.
Palace have also not yet offered new deals to Wayne Hennessey, Mamadou Sakho and Patrick van Aanholt.
Long-term players Joel Ward, Connor Wickham and Scott Dann have also been placed on the dreaded 'released' list.
All 22 players still have a chance of being retained by Palace yet as the list is not definitive and the club have not formerly confirmed their departures.
The South London side have given more free transfers than any other Premier League team – a sign they are looking to rebuild following the departure of manager Roy Hodgson.
- Ian Tuckey
VAN GINKEL OUT OF BRIDGE
Marco Van Ginkel has joined Willy Caballero out of the door at Chelsea.
The pair are the biggest names to be cut by Thomas Tuchel’s Champions League winners with their contracts expiring this month.
Caballero, 39, leaves the club after four years of service, during which time he won numerous trophies including an FA Cup and Europa League.
And it has now been confirmed that Van Ginkel has also been let go.
The Dutch midfielder, 28, joined Chelsea eight years ago from Vitesse.
But he made just FOUR appearances after being hit by numerous injury problems.
- Ian Tuckey
FERNANDINHO COULD BE ONE OF 7 CITY PLAYERS LEAVING
Fernandinho could be LEAVING Manchester City this summer.
The club legend, 36, was the shock name included on the Premier League's released list on Friday afternoon.
The Brazilian is out of contract this summer and his future remains unclear.
The list is not definitive and there is still a chance he returns to the Etihad – there has not been any official word from club or player that he is officially leaving and they are still free to negotiate a new contract for next season.
However, the City skipper shocked fans earlier this week when he appeared to hint this season could be his last with an emotional thank you on social media.
Youth stars Adrian Bernabe, Daniel Grimshaw, Louie Moulden and Felix Nmecha are also included.
Nmecha made his senior debut
- Ian Tuckey
SPURS MOVE CLOSER TO CONTE DEAL
Tottenham have been handed a boost in their efforts to land Antonio Conte with Fabio Paratici close to joining the club as sporting director.
The Guardian claim that Paratici, who worked for 11 years at Juventus, will take the role at Spurs who will return to a two-tier management structure.
The report adds that the move for the 48-year-old does not hinge on whether Conte agrees to take over as manager in north London.
But Tottenham are hoping to reunite the pair after they formed a formidable partnership together in Italy.
Paratici left Juventus this summer having played a key role in their nine straight Serie A title wins.
Conte worked with Paratici when he managed the Old Lady for three years – winning the league title in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
SunSport previously reported that the 51-year-old is set to become the joint-second highest paid boss in the Premier League, if he joins Spurs.
The former Chelsea boss is in talks with the North Londoners, having left Inter Milan at the end of the season.
But he is said to still be considering whether the budget to strengthen is sufficient with Tottenham in dire need of a rebuild.
- Ian Tuckey
FOXES ‘CLOSE ON SOUMARE’
Leicester are reportedly completing the signing of Lille’s France Under-21 midfielder Boubacary Soumare for around £20million.
The Foxes are thought to have been tracking the 22-year-old for months.
- Ian Tuckey
TRANSFER POLICY IS A PETIT CRIME
Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has criticised the club’s recent transfer policy after they failed to qualify for Europe.
The Gunners have been on the decline during the last decade, finishing eighth in the Premier League for the second successive season.
Speaking at the launch of the Paddy Park at Flat Iron Square in London, Petit questioned Arsenal’s recent spending.
He told SunSport: “I don’t recognise this club anymore; I don’t see the Arsenal blood on the pitch.
“It’s not the question of money because Arsenal have the power to put £70m on a player if they want to.
“It’s a question of profile – who do you want for your team in terms of character and quality?
“What are Arsenal doing in the transfer market? I don’t understand it. They spend money – a lot of money sometimes – but on the wrong player.”
- Ian Tuckey
WALCOTT SEALS SAINTS RETURN
Theo Walcott will join Southampton on a permanent basis following his release from Everton.
The ex-England man, 32, is among a clutch of players the Toffees will let go when their contracts expire at the end of this month, along with Yannick Bolasie and Josh King.
Theo Walcott is going back to Southampton after Everton released him Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhutl was impressed with Walcott’s contribution following the forward’s loan to St Mary’s in the second half of the season.
Last month the South-Coast club revealed they had agreed in principle to sign Walcott on a two-year deal after his exit from Merseyside.
He became the youngest-ever Southampton first team player at 16 years and 143 days, after coming on as a substitute in a 0–0 Championship draw against Wolves.
Walcott won two FA Cup medals with the Gunners and was capped 47 times by England. But he has always seen Southampton as his football home.
He declared: "Southampton is a club that means so much to me, and it has been incredibly special for me to have spent this season back at St Mary’s.
"But to now have the opportunity to return for a further two years means such a great deal to me, both personally and professionally."
- Ian Tuckey
FINALISTS ARRIVE
All seven England stars that featured in the Champions League final last week have reported for training ahead of Sunday's friendly against Romania.
The Chelsea and Manchester City players were given extra time off to be with their families following the clash which was won by the Blues.
Chelsea heroes Mason Mount, Ben Chilwell and Reece James started in Portugal, where they squared off against the Citizens' John Stones, Kyle Walker, Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling.
But all players will be looking to put their rivalry behind them as they gear up for the start of Euro 2020 next week.
And the late arrivals to the camp looked to be in a chipper mood with all men in contention to feature against Romania at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium.
Boss Gareth Southgate will be delighted to see them link up with the rest of his squad following the news that Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss the tournament.
The Liverpool right-back went off late on against Austria on Wednesday with a thigh injury that will see him ruled out for six weeks.
- Ian Tuckey
CAB LEAVES BRIDGE
Chelsea have announced that veteran goalkeeper Willy Caballero will leave this club this month.
And fellow stopper Jamal Blackman will also be released when his contract expires, leaving the Blues with just two goalkeepers.
Caballero, 39, joined Chelsea on a free transfer from Manchester City in 2017.
He went on to make 38 appearances for the Blues.
And the former Argentina international won an FA Cup, Europa League and Champions League during his time in London.
Meanwhile, 27-year-old Blackman, Chelsea's longest-serving player, will also depart Stamford Bridge having never made a senior appearance for the club.
- Ian Tuckey
PERMANENT FIKS
AC Milan will sign Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori on a permanent deal this summer, according to reports.
The loanee's impressive performances have reportedly persuaded the Italian giants to splash the cash on him.
Fikayo Tomori could soon be celebrating a permanent deal with AC Milan According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Milan are triggering a clause in Tomori's loan deal to sign the player permanently.
The fee for the English defender is believed to be €28.5million – around £24.5m.
The 23-year-old is believed to have agreed a five-year deal at the San Siro with the deal expected to be announced next week.
Tomori has done well for Milan since moving on loan in January, making 17 Serie A appearances to help them finish second – their best since 2012 – and qualify for the Champions League.
He joined Chelsea as a seven-year-old and worked his way up through the ranks, impressing on loan in the Championship with Brighton, Hull and Derby.
Tomori played under Frank Lampard at the latter club, winning their player of the year award and helping the Rams reach the Champioship play-off final.
- Ian Tuckey
UTD RELEASE 8 PLAYERS
Manchester United are releasing EIGHT players – including Sergio Romero.
Yet the Red Devils confirmed talks have taken place with Juan Mata and Lee Grant over potentially extending their stays at Old Trafford.
First-team goalkeepers Joel Pereira and Romero have both left the club with the latter linked with former United boss Jose Mourinho at Roma.
Six members of the academy – Jacob Carney, Mark Helm, Iestyn Hughes, Arnau Puigmal, Max Taylor and Aliou Traore – have also departed.
But veteran midfielder Mata is one of three United players the club remain in discussions over a new contract with.
The 33-year-old Spaniard arrived at Old Trafford from Chelsea in a £37.1million deal back in January 2014.
The World Cup winner’s contract comes to an end this month with talks between Mata and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having taken place.
However, a lack of regular football this term may have persuaded the ex-Valencia and Blues playmaker to walk away and find a new challenge, with his old club one of those keen to sign him.
As well as Mata, United are also in discussions with senior goalkeeper Grant, 38, and young stopper Paul Woolston.
- Ian Tuckey
MBAPPE'S REAL WARNING AS A KID
PSG striker Kylian Mbappe has revealed his parents talked him out of moving abroad when he was 14.
The French striker has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer after an impressive season in Ligue 1.
Speaking to L'Obs, Mbappe said: "My parents wanted me to start my career in France, to be educated in France.
"To play football, but also to continue my education. To go to Spain, even if it was with Zidane, it was another country, another culture."
And according to Spanish newspaper Marca, Real were the club that wanted to take Mbappe from his native France.
The news comes after ex-Chelsea scout Daniel Boga revealed the Blues turned down the chance to sign the striker in 2012.
The 22-year-old also discussed his future, telling the French magazine: "I always want to set myself challenges, because that allows you not to relax.
"Being on the pitch feeds me, it's how I recharge. Thanks to that, I have the energy to face the other aspects of football."
- Ian Tuckey
CITY’S SUPER SIX
Manchester City have an incredible SIX players in the PFA Team of the Year for 2020-21 – but none of them are forwards.
Pep Guardiola’s side stormed to the Premier League title, winning their third crown in four years.
But the Etihad chief is fully aware he needs to sign an elite striker this season – and the PFA XI conclusively proves that.
The Team of the Year is packed with City stars, including FOUR of the back-five, including the goalkeeper.
Ederson is joined by Joao Cancelo, John Stones and Ruben Dias in defence – with Manchester United ace Luke Shaw the only non-City star in the back-line.
The midfield is an all-Manchester affair too, with Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan partnering Bruno Fernandes in an attacking trio.
But in attack, there are no City – or United – players on show.
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah teams up with Tottenham duo Harry Kane and Son Heung-min in an exciting front three.
- Ian Tuckey
SCHALKE SAC’D OFF
Sead Kolasinac will NOT sign permanently for Schalke following his loan spell with the German club.
The left-back now returns to Arsenal having been part of a side relegated from the Bundesliga.
Schalke held a £7.2million purchase clause in the deal but sporting director Peter Knabel has confirmed the player’s exit.
He said: “This decision hurts us both in sport and human terms.
“In view of the current budget and squad structure – all the known and publicly discussed challenges – there was no alternative.
“We have to be so honest. In view of the short preparation and the early start of the season, we cannot afford a week-long hang-up game either, but have to make decisions for Schalke 04 now.
“That’s why we decided on this clear cut.”
- Ian Tuckey
TONIGHT'S ACTION
Lots of footy to keep you interested if you’re staying in this Friday night.
Portugal host Spain for a fascinating pre-Euros friendly (6.30pm) and Italy take on Czech Republic at 7.45pm.
Group B minnows Finland are in action versus Estonia at 5pm while Cameroon face Nigeria in Vienna (7.30pm).
And Wales’ Under-21s face Moldova in a European qualifier at 7.30pm.
- Ian Tuckey
PRIVATE ROUD DEAL
Chelsea have confirmed that they have secretly taken up the option to extend Olivier Giroud’s deal back in April.
The Frenchman – whose current deal was due to expire at the end of this campaign – is now contracted to Stamford Bridge for another year.
This season, he has largely been restricted to the bench aside from a seven-goal December and last started a game for Thomas Tuchel in March.
And he looked to be nearing a deal to join AC Milan on a free transfer only for the move to be put in doubt by the announcement of his new deal.
Blues director Marina Granovskaia told the club's website: "Olivier has been such a crucial part of so many big moments for this club, from his contribution to our FA Cup victory in 2018 to scoring 11 goals on the way to winning the Europa League in 2019.
"He has continued to score significant goals, and we will never forget his effort against Atletico Madrid on the way to winning the Champions League this season.
"With so much to still to play for, there was only one decision we could make when we exercised the option to extend his contract back in April."
- Ian Tuckey
AGUERO'S DAD: ARSENAL & CHELSEA WANTED HIM
Sergio Aguero was wanted by Arsenal and Chelsea before he agreed to join Barcelona.
That is according to the striker’s father, who made the claim to Radio La Red.
Leonel del Castillo said: “There were several clubs interested in signing him. Arsenal were interested in him and Chelsea to the last minute.
“If he didn’t stay in England, it was going to be Italy or Spain.
“He is happy right now after signing for Barcelona. I see him happy.
“He’s been friends with Lionel Messi since they were 15 and they’ve always talked. It looks like Messi is going to stay at Barcelona so they’re going to play together.”
- Ian Tuckey
GLAZER VOWS MAN UTD WILL SPLASH OUT
Manchester United owner Joel Glazer has promised supporters Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be backed in the transfer window.
The 50-year-old made his first Fan’s Forum appearance in 15 years on Friday where he outlined his vision for the future of the Red Devils.
United supporters have longed for Glazer and his family to sell their stake in the club, and their anger towards the American’s reached boiling point over their intentions to join the European Super League.
Joel Glazer, right, has promised Manchester United fans that signings will be made this summer Furious supporters stormed inside Old Trafford in protest against the Glazers last month, which forced the clash against Liverpool to be rescheduled.
And in an attempt to appease the United fanbase, Joel Glazer has vowed to splash the cash in the summer, as well as creating a Fan Advisory Board and a Fan Share Scheme.
He said: “Our goal is to win every competition we compete in, and we will continue to invest in our Academy and in the transfer market to support the manager in an effort to meet the club’s goals.
“As a club we have devoted a lot of time and resources over the last several years updating and further developing our vast global scouting network to adapt to the modern football environment.
“This is a project that should provide a foundation for long-term success in the years to come.
“In addition, as you all know, we have also been focused on growing and developing our women’s team in line with the traditions and values of the club, and we are committed to continuing that process.”
- Ian Tuckey
SILVA SIGNING
Thiago Silva has agreed a contract extension keeping him at Chelsea for another season.
The Blues triggered the new year-long deal clause for their veteran centre-back just hours after Champions League-winning boss Thomas Tuchel signed on until 2024.
Silva joined Chelsea from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer last summer.
Convinced by Frank Lampard to move to London, Silva made an immediate impact in the Blues' back line.
However, deployed at the heart of a three-man defence under Tuchel, Silva went to another level.
And his stunning efforts at the age of 36 helped Chelsea land their second Champions League trophy last weekend.
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