West Ham in talks to bring N’Golo Kanté back to the Premier League.
Former Chelsea player, N’Golo Kanté might be returning to the Premier League, this time with West Ham United, two years after joining Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad. West Ham are in negotiations to sign the French international, with both parties eager to finalize the deal. Kanté, who impressed at Euro 2024, has caught the eye of West Ham’s new manager, Julen Lopetegui, a long-time admirer. The club is expected to pay around £20 million for the midfielder, aiming to replace Kalvin Phillips, who failed to meet expectations during his Loan spell from Manchester City last season and did not secure a permanent deal.
🚨🟡⚫️ West Ham have approached Al Ittihad to ask about N'Golo Kanté as top target, as @Will_Unwin reported.
Direct talks took place between clubs and with player's camp.
Al Ittihad current position: no intention to sell Kanté, considered as key player and top professional. pic.twitter.com/9GhqhXsdpl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 19, 2024
Patrick Vieira parts ways with Strasbourg ahead of the new season.
Strasbourg have sacked head coach Patrick Vieira with immediate effect ahead of the 2024/25 season. The former Crystal Palace boss signed a three-year contract with the Ligue 1 side in July, spending only a year at the BlueCo-owned club, also run by Chelsea’s Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali. Vieira, Strasbourg’s first appointment under the new ownership, led the team to a 13th place finish out of 18 in the French top tier last season. In their official statement, the club thanked Vieira warmly, appreciating his efforts in helping young talent progress both on and off the pitch. He is however set to land a new job immediately as new USA head coach.
🚨🔵 It’s over between Strasbourg and Patrick Vieira.
BlueCo-owned club and Vieira decided to part ways, mutual agreement reached today. pic.twitter.com/ktA1Wivw8w
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 18, 2024
PSG star, Manuel Ugarte agrees to personal terms with Manchester United.
Manchester United has been highly active in the transfer window. After securing Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro, the Premier League giant is close to signing Uruguayan defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte. Ugarte, who shares the same agent as Yoro—Jorge Mendes—has agreed to personal terms and is eager to join United despite the absence of Champions League football. However, no agreement has been reached between the clubs yet, with Paris Saint-Germain demanding at least £59 million for the player. Ugarte, who joined PSG for £42 million from Sporting Lisbon last summer, is reportedly not in Luis Enrique’s plans. PSG is willing to sell, especially as they are close to signing Portuguese midfielder, João Neves.
🚨🔴 Manchester United have agreed on personal terms with Manuel Ugarte.
Contract terms discussed, player keen on moving to United even without Champions League football.
Club-to-club talks continue with PSG, as more clubs also inquired.
Same agent as Leny Yoro: Jorge Mendes. pic.twitter.com/vyox9phNlQ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 18, 2024
Chelsea targets former Manchester United midfielder, Andreas Pereira.
With Conor Gallagher set to leave, Chelsea has identified Andreas Pereira as his ideal replacement. Chelsea has been monitoring the Brazilian star since 2023 and is ready to secure his signing but is waiting on other developments before making an approach. The Blues are willing to pay £30-35 million and have confirmed their interest to his agent, Kia Joorabchian. Coach Maresca has approved the deal, and Chelsea is prepared to pay the fee. Pereira, a former Manchester United player, has two years left on his contract with Fulham and an agreement to leave if a suitable offer comes in.
🚨 🔵 Chelsea have identified Andreas Pereira as their ideal replacement for Conor Gallagher and would be willing to pay £30-35m. They have confirmed their interest to his agent Kia Joorabchian and want to know the conditions. (@geglobo) #CFC pic.twitter.com/0gLnut7Eyu
— Pys (@CFCPys) July 18, 2024
Nadal defeats Cameron Norrie to clinch 2nd ATP Tour quarter finals.
Former world No. 1 Rafael Nadal delivered one of his most complete performances of the 2024 season on Thursday at the Nordea Open. The Spaniard defeated fifth seed Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-4 in Bastad for his fifth consecutive win. This victory propels Nadal into his second ATP Tour quarter-final of the season. After securing the only break in a tight first set, Nadal rallied from 1-4 down in the second to overcome a tough second-round challenge at the clay ATP 250 event. The 22-time Grand Slam champion is preparing for the Paris Olympics, where tennis will be held at Roland Garros, the venue where he has won 14 French Open titles. Nadal will face Argentina’s Mariano Navone in the quarter-finals.
Looking STRONG 💪@RafaelNadal wins 5 games in a row to make the Bastad quarter-finals! pic.twitter.com/d3vn7VQsPQ
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) July 18, 2024