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Defeat to Tottenham has brought the situations of three key players into sharp focus as well as that of the coach – but there is one positive outcome

The defeat in the Europa League final to Tottenham confirmed Manchester United's worst season since being relegated in 1974 – and depressingly, it's still not over. It won't even be done after they host Aston Villa on Sunday, when there is the prospect of them dropping below Spurs in the Premier League and finishing in 17th, the last place above the relegation zone.

A few days after what is sure to be a funereal occasion at Old Trafford, United travel to Malaysia and Hong Kong for a post-season tour, the only objective of which is to scrape back a bit more money. They could sure do with some extra change after losing the golden ticket of Champions League qualification and the £100 million ($134m) pay cheque that would have accompanied it, but going on a trip halfway around the world must be the last thing Ruben Amorim or any of his players want to do after such a disheartening loss.

The mood on the 14-hour flight to Kuala Lumpar is sure to be tense, especially between Ruben Amorim and Alejandro Garnacho after the winger made his displeasure at starting on the bench in Bilbao clear and hinted at the possibility of leaving United. Kobbie Mainoo might also have a similar plan after only coming on in added time, while Bruno Fernandes will have lots of time to weigh up those lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia.

Amorim himself is likely to have some frank conversations with United's chief executive Omar Berrada and later down the line with Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the major consequences of United's defeat at San Mames begin to emerge…

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  Garnacho's future up in the air

  Some players don't like to talk about their futures immediately after a final, win or lose. Wayne Rooney would not confirm he was set to leave United just after winning the 2017 Europa League, even though it was obvious he was going to depart. Others, however, cannot stay silent after the emotional rollercoaster of a final and all their frustrations come pouring out once a microphone is shoved in their face. And that is what happened to Garnacho in the mixed zone at San Mames.

  The winger had started all six of United's knockout matches in the Europa League this season, and he was immensely – and rightly -frustrated to not get the nod in the final. Mason Mount had only had one positive performance in the competition, coming off the bench in the semi-final second leg against Athletic Club to score twice, and he failed to cause much concern to Tottenham's backline before making way for the Argentine in the 71st minute. Garnacho instantly gave United hope, drawing a good save from Guglielmo Vicario as he troubled Pedro Porro.

  Garnacho's famously outspoken younger brother, Roberto, fired shots in an angry Instagram post, writing: "Working as no one else, helping every round, coming from two goals in the last two finals, just to be on the pitch for 19 mins and get thrown under the bus." The player himself refused to bite his tongue either when speaking to reporters afterwards: "When you don’t score goals, you always need more. Until we reached the final, I played every round. And I played 20 minutes today. I’m going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens next."

  The interview sent Garnacho's future at the club flying into the air. His long-term situation has been unclear since it emerged last year that United were willing to listen to offers for him in January, with Napoli and Chelsea showing the biggest interest but neither meeting United's valuation. Garnacho has been an odd fit with Amorim as the coach prefers to play with narrow attacking midfielders rather than wingers, and the Portuguese has not always had glowing praise for the forward. When asked to defend his choice of starting Mount over Garnacho in the final, the coach responded with a barb of his own: "Who missed the big opportunity in the first half against Athletic? Yeah, Garnacho."

  With United desperately seeking big-money sales while player and coach are not seeing eye to eye, Garnacho looks likely to move on in the summer.

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  We need to talk about Bruno

  Fernandes may have been hugely disappointing in the final, but there is no doubt that he is still United's talisman and a player Amorim would want to keep around. BReports of interest from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal are, however, not going anywhere, and Fernandes confronted the speculation head on after the final, indicating he would not stand in the club's way if they decided to make a quick buck on him.

  "If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in or whatever, it’s what it is and football sometimes is like this," he said. "I’m eager to do more, to be able to bring the club to the great days. [But] the day that the club thinks that I’m [costing] too much or it’s time to part ways, football is like this, you never know it. I’ve always said it and I keep my word in the same way."

  It was a concerning thing for United fans to hear. The majority will want Fernandes to stay, but if Al-Hilal come up with a lucrative offer for a player who turns 31 in September and who has two years left on his contract, the Red Devils will be very tempted to take it and use the money to reinvest in rebuilding the squad.

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  Mainoo departure feels inevitable

  Kobbie Mainoo was the other player that United were reported to be ready to sell in January, and while that felt like a crazy way to treat their most exciting recent academy graduate and an England international, a sale has felt more likely in the last few months. Mainoo has started only three games since returning in April from a two-month spell out injured, and all of those fixtures followed Europa League matches which he had not started in.

  He has been repeatedly overlooked by Amorim in the biggest games and he was introduced absurdly late at San Mames, only coming on in added time. It was both of a lack of respect towards a player of Mainoo's standing and quality, and it felt illogical, given how the midfielder had saved United's skin with his curling equaliser in the epic quarter-final second leg with Lyon.

  Mainoo has exceptional skills in progressing the ball around midfield and would be an asset to a team looking to play possession football, but his qualities do not really sine through in Amorim's system and the scarce amount that Mainoo has been used is a clear indication that Amorim does not rate him highly enough. So less than two years after announcing himself as a 18-year-old with an astonishingly mature performance at Everton, Mainoo's exit looks to be all-but guaranteed.

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  And what about Amorim?

  With the golden ticket to the Champions League now torn up, Amorim's situation at United is going to move to the very heart of English football discourse in the coming days. That is inevitable given his horrendous results in the Premier League, where he has won just six out of 26 matches and last beat a non-relegated team in January.

  David Moyes and Louis van Gaal were both sacked immediately after they failed to secure Champions League football, and Erik ten Hag's slim prospects of taking United back into the top five were a huge factor in him being replaced by Amorim.

  By the same logic, Amorim should be sacked now – and he sensationally pledged to leave without demanding compensation if the club decided to fire him. The Portuguese coach has one thing in his favour, however. He was Ratcliffe's choice, and the INEOS chief has invested too much faith, not to mention money, in the Portuguese to cut him loose so soon. Ratcliffe flew out to Lisbon to meet with him secretly when Ten Hag was still in the post and was instantly taken in by his charisma. In March, meanwhile, Ratcliffe gave Amorim the seal of approval, telling the: "I think Ruben is an outstanding young manager. I really do. He’s an excellent manager and I think he will be there for a long time."

  Ratcliffe's faith in Amorim has been severely tested in the proceeding weeks, though, with United winning just one league game since he uttered those words and are without a league victory in the last two months. But after spending £11m to get Amorim out of Sporting CP in the middle of the campaign and paying a further £14m to fire Ten Hag, Ratcliffe would be burning yet more money if he were to sack his current coach. It would also entrench the sense that the billionaire does not know how to turn United around, a sentiment which gained strength after the Dan Ashworth debacle. Ratcliffe has to at least let Amorim have the next transfer window and see what the coach can do with a full pre-season.

  Fernandes insisted that, despite all the evidence to the contrary, Amorim would get it right at United in the end, saying: "I do think that the club is in a situation where it’s easier to get a different [manager] in because the results haven’t been there, but as my other team-mates said, and I repeat myself, I do think he’s the right man."

  Amorim is highly likely to stay and begin the next season, but he is already running out of lives.

Leeds United have now been handed a boost ahead of their summer transfer business after the stance of one of their transfer targets became clear, with pressure now on to be in the Premier League next season to ensure that they land their man.

Leeds on course for Premier League

With just 14 games left of the season, Leeds United lead the way in the Championship. Daniel Farke’s side sit two points clear of Sheffield United, while they have a five point cushion to Burnley in third place, meaning that automatic promotion is firmly in their grasp.

It is a make-or-break fortnight for Leeds too. They face fourth placed Sunderland next before traveling to Sheffield United in a titanic tussle for top spot at the end of February, a game that could effectively seal them as title winners or send them back towards the chasing pack and leave them in danger of slipping into a play off spot for a second successive season.

However, having scored by far the most goals in the division this season, Leeds remain most people’s favourites to be promoted, and after a 4-0 thrashing of Watford Hornets boss Tom Cleverley even dubbed them “one of the best” Championship sides he’d ever seen.

“We were in the presence of a very strong Championship side. It is one of the best teams I have seen at this level,” he told reporters.

Now, it has emerged that confidence that Leeds will be promoted come the end of the campaign is shared even by some of their transfer targets.

Midfield target thinks Leeds will be promoted

That comes according to a report from Caught Offside, who relay quotes from Leeds target Eduard Spertsyan suggesting that a move to Leeds could be on the cards this summer.

Leeds were thought to hold a January interest in the no.10, who currently plays for Russian outfit Krasnodar, where he has grabbed six goals and three assists so far this season.

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However, no move materialised, with suggestions that Leeds were priced out of a move for the Armenian international. Despite this, the attacking midfielder has left the door open to a future move to Elland Road, adding that he is keen to leave his current club.

“Why not?,” Spertsyan revealed when asked if he would consider a move to Leeds in the future. “They will most likely get into the Premier League, they are in first place.

“Yes, I want to leave, but I can’t leave the club [in the winter]. For them to let me go in the winter, the offer must be very good, and the club must have a great desire to sign me. This winter, that’s exactly what didn’t happen.”

The report adds that the midfielder, who was described as “special” by Ajax sporting director Sven Mislintat after they failed to sign him, is valued at £17 million, something that Leeds may only be able to afford should they secure promotion back to the top flight.

After missing out on Cameron Archer in January, Spertsyan could be the perfect alternative for Farke’s side.

Neymar has issued a grovelling apology after his needless red card for a blatant handball proved costly in Santos' loss to Botafogo on Sunday.

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• Neymar issued apology after handball red card
• Brazil star claimed first yellow card could have been avoided
• Botafogo beat Santos 1-0 with late goal

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Neymar was sent off in the 76th minute after he picked up a second yellow card for punching the ball into the net. The Brazil icon's absence proved costly as Botafogo scored the winning goal 10 minutes later and secured a crucial three points in Brazil's Serie A.

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• WHAT NEYMAR SAID

  After the game, the 33-year-old attacker posted an apology on social media as he wrote: "Desperation of scoring sometimes causes us to commit mistakes… I want to apologise to my teammates and also to the fans! I made a mistake, forgive me!!! Today, if I didn't get sent off, I’m sure we could get the 3 points.. Congratulations to the team for today's game! Those 3 points can be put on my account!!!"

  IG:@neymarjr

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Neymar also claimed that he was wrongfully shown his first yellow card, thereby indicating that his sending off could have been avoided, as he added: "Note: second yellow has to be given, but the first one is the judge's drainage, I made a mistake and I'm already taking yellow… What a bad judge. That's just my opinion…please don't punish me anymore."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Santos will be back in action in the Brazilian top division on June 13 as they take on Fortaleza away from home – but they will be without the suspended Neymar.

With new England boss Thomas Tuchel set to name his first squad since replacing interim coach, Lee Carsley, next week, there may well be a raft of Manchester City connections running through the Three Lions roster.

Indeed, the German tactician could once again call upon the likes of Phil Foden and Rico Lewis, while ex-Etihad star, Kyle Walker, will also be looking to maintain his regular role as he targets 100 caps for his country. Jack Grealish and John Stones will, however, likely miss out through injury.

Perhaps more interestingly, there may also be a wave of one-time City academy stars involved for the March internationals, with Cole Palmer the headline name, while the likes of Liam Delap and Morgan Rogers – who have scored 17 Premier League goals between them season – may also have an outside chance of inclusion after starring for Ipswich Town and Aston Villa, respectively.

There could even be a wildcard opportunity for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens to shine after his return of 15 goals and assists in Germany in 2024/25 to date, with the dazzling winger having departed City on a free transfer back in the summer of 2020.

That handful of names may well be joined by another former Man City asset, with Pep Guardiola having perhaps been left to regret another notable sale of recent times…

Man City's goalkeeping dilemma

Among the number of issues for Guardiola and co to resolve this season is in the goalkeeping department, with the time perhaps having come to acquire a suitable, long-term replacement for Ederson in the sticks.

The unique Brazilian – who has remarkably recorded three Premier League assists this season – had lost his place to teammate Stefan Ortega earlier in the campaign, although has managed to wrestle back his starting berth of late, having started five of the last six top-flight games.

That said, the former Benfica man hasn’t exactly enjoyed a smooth recall to the side, having notably been branded “nowhere near enough” by CBS pundit Jamie Carragher, following the 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid last month.

As Carragher stated following the 31-year-old’s costly errors in that Etihad loss, it is now “at the stage with Man City where they need a new goalkeeper”, particularly with Ederson’s contract set to expire next year.

Ortega has largely been an able deputy, yet the German ‘keeper is even older than his teammate at 32, while having also endured a mixed spell of his own, after scoring an own goal in the narrow victory over Leyton Orient.

With all that in mind – and with reports in recent weeks suggesting that City may splash the cash to sign £62m-rated Porto stopper, Diogo Costa – Guardiola may well regret selling another bright young English talent who could well have walked into the current team.

Man City already sold the perfect Ederson replacement

Ederson may have been off the boil of late, yet it is worth remembering that this is a player who has helped Guardiola’s side sweep all before them over the past eight years or so, with the Citizens having undoubtedly struck a bargain with their £35m capture of the left-footer.

Market Movers

That said, there may be a tinge of frustration that a better succession plan has not been put in place at the Etihad, outside of signing an ageing Ortega as a backup.

Indeed, there may be those – with hindsight on side – who believe that Burnley number one, James Trafford, should have been kept on board, with the 22-year-old now shining in England’s second tier.

Tipped to potentially join the likes of Palmer in Tuchel’s England set-up, the former City academy graduate – who joined the Clarets on a £15m deal in 2023 – has been integral to Scott Parker’s promotion-chasing side this season.

The 6 foot 6 stopper has racked up a ridiculous haul of 12 successive clean sheets in the Championship, while conceding just nine times in total in the division in 2024/25.

Such form has led to notable praise from his manager, with Parker stating back in January:

Also tipped to be “world-class” by ex-teammate, Palmer, Trafford was memorably the hero at the U21 European Championship in 2023, having saved a 96th minute penalty to steer the Young Lions to victory.

Of course, the Burnley ace did endure a difficult season last term in the top-flight, after conceding 62 goals in just 28 outings, yet his form this time around has not gone unnoticed, with Newcastle United seemingly showing serious interest.

Amid those links with the Magpies, the belief is that Trafford is worth around £30m, thus marking a 100% increase in relation to his £15m fee from almost two years ago.

If recent signs are anything to go by, that valuation will soar even higher, with City left to regret not holding on to yet another big English talent would could well have walked into the current starting lineup.

Savio upgrade: Man City may regret selling 'the best winger in the world'

Man City might rue selling a player who has shone for his current club since leaving.

By
Ross Kilvington

Mar 3, 2025

Turning their attention towards the summer transfer window, Aston Villa have now been given their answer in pursuit of signing one particular attacking reinforcement on a permanent basis.

Aston Villa receive fresh sale stance

Whilst Unai Emery’s side have struggled to maintain their push to finish inside the Premier League’s top four this season, they have at least enjoyed their European exploits and are gunning to shock the rest of the Champions League.

After thrashing Club Brugge, the Midlands club are set to square off against Paris Saint-Germain in what could see Emery get one over on his former club and reach the last four.

Once again it was Marco Asensio who stole the show, netting twice to score his sixth and seventh Aston Villa goal and continue what has been an impressive loan spell.

At times he has left the Villans with little choice but to consider his permanent arrival, so much so that they’ve now received their answer over that possibility. According to reports in Spain, PSG are now willing to sell Asensio for just €30m (£25m) this summer amid interest over a permanent deal from Aston Villa.

A multiple-time Champions League winner and someone who has already proved his quality in abundance at Villa Park, there’s every chance that Asensio could be among the bargains of the summer.

Stronger than McGinn: Aston Villa racing Real Madrid to sign "superb" teen

He’s one to watch…

By
Tom Cunningham

Mar 14, 2025

Those in the Midlands are already set to get a glimpse of what life without the Spaniard is like when they square off against PSG and he is unable to play against his parent club and they won’t want to see that glimpse become their reality.

"Special" Asensio has earned permanent move

If there were any doubts over Asensio’s ability to steal the headlines on the biggest stage after a mixed spell at PSG, then those have swiftly been put to bed at Aston Villa.

Scoring seven goals for Emery’s side to take his total to nine for the season at Villa and PSG combined, the 29-year-old has more than earned the chance to complete a permanent move this summer.

Earning plenty of praise as a result of his form, Andros Townsend told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily Podcast when asked about Asensio: “He is a special, special talent. He always has been. He struggled with a knee injury, which stopped him from being world class, but as we have seen since he has been at Villa, he is still a top, top player.”

Still within four points of the top four, if Aston Villa are to climb back into Champions League qualification then Asensio will no doubt be among the key players to play a crucial part.

Meanwhile, the former Real Madrid star must hope that his teammates get the job done in his absence against PSG in the Champions League.

Arsenal have completed their first piece of summer transfer business, as a long-standing full-back completes a €5m move to Serie A.

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• Arsenal announce first transfer of the summer
• Full-back leaves for Lazio
• Club secure €5m fee

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Nuno Tavares has been on the Gunners' books for four years, spending time on loan at Marseille and Nottingham Forest before joining Lazio on a temporary deal last summer. The Italian club had an option to sign the player permanently for a reported €5m and have now secured the deal.

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  WHAT ARSENAL SAID

  In a statement, Arsenal said: "Nuno Tavares has moved to Serie A side Lazio on a permanent transfer. Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank Nuno for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best for the future."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Tavares was a standout performer for Lazio as they finished seventh in Serie A last season, registering nine assists in 30 appearances. However, Lazio could still take advantage of the low fee to make money this summer. Football Italia recently reported they could look to sell him for €65m after his impressive performances caught the eye of several European giants.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LAZIO?

  If Tavares does stay at Lazio, he will be playing under Maurizio Sarri next season. The former Chelsea boss has returned to the club and will take charge ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Liverpool recently sent scouts to watch a “classy” young player break an international record, according to a new report.

Liverpool stars and scouts active on international duty

A host of Liverpool players were in action for their countries over the weekend in the UEFA Nations League, including Diogo Jota, Virgil van Dijk, and Cody Gakpo.

Jota played a key role in Portugal’s 5-2 extra-time win against Denmark, setting up Gonçalo Ramos for the final goal of the match, securing a 5-3 aggregate victory and booking Portugal’s place in the tournament’s semifinals, where they will face Germany in June.

Meanwhile, Van Dijk and Gakpo both featured for the Netherlands in their League A quarter-final second leg against Spain, which ended in a 3-3 draw after extra time (5-5 on aggregate) before they were defeated 5-4 in a penalty shootout.

Also in international action were goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and Dominik Szoboszlai. Kelleher started in the Republic of Ireland’s 2-1 win over Bulgaria in the second leg of their League B/C play-off in Dublin, securing a 4-2 aggregate victory, while Szoboszlai featured for Hungary as they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Turkey in the second leg of their League A/B play-off, resulting in a 6-1 loss on aggregate.

Liverpool send scouts to watch Konstantinos Karetsas

One Liverpool star who had an international break to forget was full-back Andy Robertson, who was run ragged by Greek youngster Konstantinos Karetsas as Scotland slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Hampden Park.

Karetsas, who is just 17, put in a standout performance on the night, scoring Greece’s second goal to become his country’s youngest-ever competitive goalscorer. The defeat for Scotland saw them relegated to UEFA Nations League Group B, while Greece earned promotion to Group A.

According to TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, Liverpool were one of a number of Premier League clubs who sent representatives to watch Karetsas do a number on both Scotland and Robertson.

Bailey reports that representatives from Newcastle United, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion were also in the stands to watch the attacking midfielder.

Liverpool ready to pay £60m+ for 18-goal star with same agent as Van Dijk

Liverpool are ready to push forward for an exciting addition this summer.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

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Karetsas, who plays in Belgium for Racing Genk, also impressed for Greece in the first-leg of their play-off tie against Scotland, which ended in a 1-0 win for Steve Clarke’s side.

Speaking about his first-leg display, former Scotland international James McFadden said on BBC Scotland: “I thought he looked really classy, composed, willing to take people on and, when he came on, he was their main outlet. They were just desperate to get the ball to him.”

Pat Nevin, another former Scotland star, meanwhile, said: “Chatting to Steve Clarke afterwards, he agreed the young lad is pretty special and somebody that needs to be kept a really close eye on.”

Thomas Tuchel admits he is "tempted" to stay on as England manager beyond the 2026 World Cup, despite two dismal performances on the bounce.

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• England beat Andorra and lost to Senegal
• Tuchel underwhelmed by displays
• All eyes on 2026 World Cup

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Tuchel has overseen two underwhelming results for England over the international break. While they did beat Andorra, a 1-0 victory over the minnows hardly impressed, and a 3-1 defeat to Senegal on Tuesday night set alarm bells ringing, despite it being a friendly. Now, though, the German boss has insisted that he is fully committed to the role, and is tempted to remain in the dugout regardless of how the 2026 World Cup pans out. His contract is currently scheduled to expire at the tournament's conclusion.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  England have not officially qualified for the World Cup yet – no European team has – but they have won all of their first three fixtures, and appear almost certain to be heading to the United States, Mexico, and Canada for the tournament at the end of the 2025-26 season. Tuchel has already set his sights on winning the trophy.

• WHAT TUCHEL SAID

  Asked if he would continue in the job if England do win the World Cup, Tuchel told : "I will always be tempted to stay because I love the group and I love the opportunity.

  "It’s an honour to be English head coach. I know a big tournament is coming up in England (Euro 2028) and I will always be tempted. I can tell you that even after the disappointing result yesterday."

  Asked if he would stay on if England failed in their bid for glory, he replied: "If you ask me today, yes. I feel that I’m in the right place and enjoy where I am. I love the new challenge. I wanted a new challenge and a new environment. I feel the support, the trust and respect of the people in the federation. 

  "I love the group of players and want to push them. It just feels right and it’s a clear yes from my side."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  England play Andorra in their return fixture on September 6, before a tricky trip to Serbia in what could be the biggest test of their World Cup credentials thus far under Tuchel.

Dele Alli has reportedly split from girlfriend Cindy Kimberly after a three-year romance, with the ex-England star partying with a model in Ibiza.

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• Dele went public with Kimberly in 2022
• Spaniard has removed posts on social media
• Ex-England star holidaying in Mediterranean

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Former Tottenham and Everton midfielder Dele, who is now on the books of Serie A side Como, went public with 26-year-old Spaniard Kimberly – who once graced the cover of Sports Illustrated – in June 2022.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  The pair have spent plenty of time together in Italy, with Kimberly embracing the “WAG” lifestyle. are, however, reporting that the couple have decided to head their separate ways.

• THE GOSSIP

  Kimberly has removed all reference to Dele from her Instagram account, while also unfollowing the 29-year-old. It is not the first time that the pair have faced split rumours, but it may be the last.

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  WHAT A SOURCE SAID

  Kimberly is currently in Marrakech promoting her new clothing line, while Dele has headed for a summer vacation in Ibiza. He has been seen in the company of Amsterdam-based model Parmida Shahbazy while on the White Isle.

  A source told GSM: “We saw both of them at Pacha Ibiza. They came down from a car together and went straight into the VIP behind the DJ booth. They were there all night.” Dele’s sister Molly and Parmida now follow one another on social media.

Preparing for their first summer on Merseyside, The Friedkin Group are now reportedly eyeing a move to sign a Serie A defender for Everton when the transfer window swings open.

Everton want Serie A defender

On course to achieve Premier League safety, it should come as no surprise that Everton are already setting their sights on summer targets. Names such as Tammy Abraham and Emanuel Emegha have already stolen the headlines in recent weeks, with the Toffees seemingly planning to sign an attacking upgrade in the coming months.

A player who knows all about English football versus a rising star, Everton certainly have quite the choice to make if they are to look towards Abraham or Emegha to replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer.

Ruthless from TFG: Everton now set to let £7m-a-year star leave this summer

Friedkin are wasting no time…

By
Tom Cunningham

Mar 19, 2025

The academy graduate is yet to sign a new contract and, as things stand, will become a free agent at the end of the season – leaving David Moyes scrambling for options. His likely departure is set to hand Friedkin their first transfer test and one they’ll be desperate to pass with flying colours.

That said, the new owners are also reportedly looking towards defensive additions. According to TuttoJuve’s Mirko di Natale, Everton are now eyeing a move to sign Federico Gatti from Juventus this summer and could yet beat Newcastle to the Italian’s signature.

At 26 years old, the defender is at the peak of his powers and may well have a major decision to make regarding his future this summer. With three more years left on his current Juventus deal, though, a deal to sign Gatti is unlikely to come cheap for the likes of Everton in the coming months.

A player with experience among Europe’s elite in the Champions League, signing Gatti would certainly be an impressive way for Friedkin to commence their first summer in charge at Everton.

"Hero" Gatti is stronger than Branthwaite

If Everton are looking to add quality in depth ahead of next season, then signing Gatti to complete their backline would undoubtedly do just that. The 26-year-old would push Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski all the way in pursuit of a starting place after another impressive campaign at Serie A giants Juventus.

It’s during the current campaign that the defender has often displayed his strength, winning more aerial duels, more tackles and making more blocks than Branthwaite.

Dubbed a “hero” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig last season, Everton would be sealing one of the coups of the summer by signing Gatti ahead of Newcastle.

He ticks several boxes for what Moyes needs to take his side away from relegation battles and onto more ambitious things. Gatti is at his peak with Champions League experience and more than enough talent to compete against Branthwaite alongside others for a place.

When the summer arrives, Friedkin could make a statement of intent by signing the Juventus centre-back.