Carlos Corberan expressed his pride at turning around West Brom’s season despite a 3-2 final-day loss at Swansea as they fell short of the Sky Bet Championship play-offs.

West Brom had started the final day of the regular season as play-off outsiders, needing to beat Swansea and hope for favourable results elsewhere.

The Baggies ultimately finished ninth, as Sunderland and Coventry claimed the final two play-off places, after Corberan took over in October with the club second bottom of the Championship.

“The target we had was difficult, to change the momentum of the season,” said Corberan, whose side won only three of their final 10 games.

“It was very uncomfortable. We moved fast, we focused on the possibilities and I feel very proud.

“It’s a pity we didn’t achieve the play-off positions, but the team has put in a lot of effort.

“We arrived to the last moment of the competition and the players did not stop to believe, to try and make their best.”

On summer squad strengthening, Corberan added: “I do not know the limitations or the situation (of the club), but from tomorrow I will guarantee to work as in football there is no time to waste.

“As fast as we know our possibilities and resources the better for us to play the team that West Bromwich needs to have.”

Corberan was unhappy with Swansea’s stoppage-time winner, Joel Piroe curling home a free-kick for his 20th goal of the season.

He said: “I am very disappointed that we didn’t get something from the game, at least a point.

“I don’t think we deserved a defeat with all the things we have done well, especially in the second half.

“We should avoid a foul where we concede the free-kick but there was a foul on (Jayson) Molumby. That increases the frustration.”

Swansea, for whom Luke Cundle and Olivier Ntcham cancelled out goals from Okay Yokuslu and Semi Ajayi, finished below West Brom on goal difference in 10th.

Fresh investment is arriving at the Welsh club this summer and new chairman Andy Coleman’s in-tray will include tying manager Russell Martin down to a new contract.

Martin, appointed Swansea manager in August 2021, has one year left on his current deal and has been linked with a potential summer vacancy at Leicester.

“He (Coleman) said he likes what we’re doing,” said Martin. “There’s maybe other priorities at the moment but we’ll see.

“He’s said the ownership group have expressed an interest in trying to extend the contract.

“We’ve got guys out of contract, so that’s got to be a real priority.

“Whatever comes first, I don’t know. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

Roses are red, violets are blue, have we got the perfect Valentine's Day content for you!

(Very) questionable rhymes aside, love is in the air as long-standing couples and newly formed relationships celebrate the day of romance on Tuesday.

The Premier League is certainly no stranger to the language of love, so while cracking open a bottle of red and exchanging cheap tat with your significant other, why not get some inspiration for love with our Valentine's Day facts with some help from Cupid!

Well, maybe not Cupid, but Opta – and the team at Opta are full of love!

MATT LE KISS-IER'S FOND VALENTINE'S DAY MEMORY

Valentine's Day is of course a day for love (and overpaying for those last-minute flowers and cards you almost forgot to buy…).

Three players who've enjoyed a particularly joyous February 14 in the past are Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier, ex-Liverpool striker Michael Owen, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who have each scored three times in the Premier League on this date – no one has managed more.

All three of those were Valentine's Day hat-tricks as well.

 

Le Tissier registered three against the Reds back in 1994; Owen took home the match ball with a treble for Liverpool versus Sheffield Wednesday four years later; Aubameyang broke Leeds United hearts in 2021 with Arsenal.

COUPLE GOALS

Sharing's caring, as they say.

Mutual support is a key component of any healthy relationship, particularly the relationship between a striker and their fellow forwards…

If there's any Premier League pairing that sums up "couple goals", it has to be Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.

The Tottenham duo have directly linked up for 44 goals in the league, more than any other pairing in Premier League history.

No couple have ever combined for more than one goal on Valentine's Day, though Philippe Coutinho and the late Jose Antonio Reyes have shared the love on the most romantic day of the year – they have tallied two assists each on February 14, more than anyone else.

CARDS GALORE

Whether from a partner or a secret admirer, it's always nice to receive a card or two on Valentine's Day.

Unless of course you're playing in the Premier League, in which case you want to see the referees keep their cards in their pockets.

In this regard, Leicester City have been the most prolific, their nine yellow cards on Valentine's Day being more than any other team have received. Arsenal follow with six.

The Foxes also fare badly when it comes to red cards, having earned two on February 14 – Danny Simpson (2016) and Hamza Choudhury (2020) account for those dismissals.

The only other player to receive a red card on Valentine's Day is Everton hero Duncan Ferguson ... no, we weren't shocked either.

LOVE IS BLIND'S TEAM-MATE

Donald Love's name gets a good airing all over social media every February 14 given it's ripe for Valentine's Day punnery.

The defender, who now plays for Morecambe in League One, made his Manchester United debut the day before Valentine's Day in 2016, coming on as a substitute in a 2-1 defeat to Sunderland, who he would also go on to play for.

In that game, he slotted in on the right of a back four that also included another pun-magnet in Daley Blind. So, on Valentine's Day 2016, you could have legitimately said Love is Blind...'s team-mate.

Love never went on to play a Premier League game on Valentine's Day, which for obvious reasons is rather regrettable.

SHORT AND SWEET

Valentine's Days come and go, but in football as in life, not every relationship stands the test of time.

In the Premier League, there have been three players to make their only appearance in the competition on February 14.

Neil Cutler's brief fling with Aston Villa resulted in a one-off appearance in 2000; Shay Logan appeared for Manchester City seven years later; and in 2021 the fittingly named Niall Huggins got his sole outing for Leeds United.

It's better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all… and our heart goes out to those in that singles club.

Reported Leeds United target Carlos Corberan has signed a contract extension as West Brom head coach after links to the Premier League club.

Spaniard Corberan was part of Leeds fan favourite Marcelo Bielsa's backroom staff amid the Argentine's spell at Elland Road.

Corberan subsequently took a head coach role at rivals Huddersfield Town, guiding them to the Championship play-off final in 2022 before resigning amid reported disagreements with the club's board.

Jesse Marsch's dismissal by Leeds on Monday created speculation the Whites would move to bring in Corberan, who has taken West Brom from second-bottom in the Championship to the play-off positions since his appointment in October.

Leeds majority owner Andrea Radrizzani told supporters on Tuesday a decision would soon arrive, posting on Twitter: "We are on it ….hopefully white smoke by tonight or [tomorrow] morning"

But West Brom swiftly dispelled talk of Corberan leaving, posting a teasing clip from British television series Happy Valley that said: "Why's everyone saying you are going to Leeds when you're not?"

"I have enjoyed my time at Albion, and I am pleased to have secured a contract extension," Corberan told the club's official website upon confirmation of his new deal until June 2027.

"I believe that success can only be achieved when everyone works together and the way I have been made to feel welcome at this great club has made me confident that this is the right place for me.

"It is important to me that we do not let this moment distract us from our target, which is to ensure we improve every day, making the team more and more competitive for the challenges ahead.

"My focus is always on earning a positive result in our next game and we are working hard to achieve that at Birmingham City on Friday night."

Feyenoord manager Arne Slot and Rayo Vallecano Andoni Iraola are among the reported favourites for the Leeds head coach vacancy.

Serge Gnabry emitted immense confidence ahead of the World Cup after completing what he believes was a transformation from "so-so player" to the brilliant attacker he is today.

Gnabry was not in Germany's squad for the last World Cup, despite breaking into the side two years earlier.

At the time of Russia 2018, the talented attacking midfielder had just completed a spell on loan at Hoffenheim from Bayern Munich, but he would soon become a key player for both Die Roten and the national team.

Germany became the third successive defending champions to be eliminated at the World Cup group stage four years ago, ushering in a period of transition that undoubtedly benefited Gnabry.

But Gnabry did not always look to be on a path to such stardom. He failed to live up to early expectations at Arsenal and endured an underwhelming loan spell at West Brom, where manager Tony Pulis surmised the youngster was not good enough to play regularly.

Gnabry is unsure how he turned his fortunes around so significantly, but there is no doubt about his confidence as Germany prepare to open their Qatar 2022 campaign against Japan on Wednesday.

"I don't know, at some point, I managed to flip the switch from being a so-so player to becoming the Serge Gnabry that I want to be," he told reporters at Germany's training base on Sunday.

"It's always difficult to really pinpoint what the reasons were. Even if there's a bit of a low, you keep working hard and maybe, as a player, you really give too much time and thought on why you haven't scored this, why you haven't done that.

"But really, when called upon [we need] to delete these negative thoughts, to delete any negativity from our heads and, of course, play well.

"Making good assists and scoring lots of goals in the Bundesliga for Bayern, that has certainly helped and that helps us to approach the coming challenges with a great deal of self-confidence.

"So, I'm absolutely looking forward to the coming games and I hope that I can give my all, just as I have recently in the league."

Gnabry's form backs up his confidence, as the 27-year-old has already had a hand in 19 goals (10 scored, nine assisted) in all competitions this season, a haul only six other players across Europe's top five leagues can better.

Steve Bruce has taken over as manager of West Brom, the club confirmed on Thursday. 

Bruce signed an 18-month contract to replace Valerien Ismael, who was dismissed after just seven months at the helm on Wednesday. 

West Brom have won just one of their past seven games in the Championship and slipped to sixth following a 2-0 loss at Millwall on Saturday, leaving them eight points adrift of the automatic promotion places. 

Bruce, who spent two years in charge of West Brom's rivals Aston Villa from 2016, has been promoted to the Premier League four times in his managerial career and was available after being sacked by Newcastle in October, shortly after the Tyneside club's lucrative takeover.

He has been named manager; Ismael was head coach at The Hawthorns.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to manage a club that has such great history and tradition," Bruce said in a statement. "It is a club I obviously know well from my time in the Midlands, and I am already relishing the challenge of taking it forward. 

"I did not envisage I would return to management this quickly, but once I got the phone call from Ron [Gourlay, West Brom CEO], I knew I could not resist the challenge of getting this club back to where they want to be. 

"I am coming in with one aim and that is to get Albion to the Premier League."

Gourlay added: "Steve is a highly respected and experienced manager who has an impressive record of earning promotion to the Premier League. 

"His excellent man-management skills, tactical nous, and ability to hit the ground running were among the many reasons we decided he was the man to take us forward.    

"Promotion remains our objective for this season, and we are confident that with Steve leading the club we have given ourselves every chance of achieving that goal." 

West Brom have completed the signing of the in-demand Daryl Dike from Orlando City for an undisclosed fee.

Dike impressed for fellow Championship side Barnsley on loan last season, striking nine times in 21 appearances as Valerien Ismael's former club made it into the playoffs.

Barnsley ultimately faltered in their semi-final against beaten finalists Swansea City, but Dike has now followed Ismael to West Brom on a four-and-a-half-year contract.

The 21-year-old striker also registered 11 goals for Orlando in 19 MLS outings in 2021, drawing reported interest from Premier League sides Leeds United, Newcastle United and Everton.

However, Ismael and West Brom managed to secure a deal for Dike on Saturday – subject to international clearance – for a fee believed to be around £7million.

The Baggies manager believes his new signing can fire West Brom back into the Premier League.

"I'm delighted we have completed the transfer of Dike," Ismael told West Brom's official website. "He was always our first target and priority. 

"There's a lot of teamwork that has gone into this deal. Dike has everything we need from the No.9 position. He has energy, strength – he challenges defenders – and he scores goals.

"I worked with him at Barnsley and I know him very well. He has the mentality. He is 21 and is still a young player – but he has a lot of experience.

"Now it's about preparing Dike for the Championship. It was important to us to get Dike as early as possible because we know that he had four weeks off after the MLS season.

"For sure, he needs time and the schedule for him is to work hard in the next two weeks, so he is ready to play a part against QPR [on January 15]. That is our target and now, with my staff, we will work to have a very, very good build-up – using every day – to ensure he is in top shape by that game."

West Brom currently sit fourth in the Championship, four points adrift of second-placed Fulham and eight points behind leaders Bournemouth.

Paul Pogba has been the subject of constant speculation over the past 12 months.

Manchester United's French midfielder is into the final year of his contract.

Pogba has been in excellent early season form, with seven assists in the league already.

 

TOP STORY – REAL MADRID MOVE LOOMS FOR POGBA

Real Madrid are Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba's most likely destination at the end of this season, claims El Nacional.

The France international is out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of this season and could leave on a free transfer.

Pogba's agent Mino Raiola is trying to persuade Pogba to join Madrid, despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

 

ROUND-UP

Liverpool target Karim Adeyemi is being chased by German pair Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg, reports Sport Bild. RB Leipzig are also monitoring the 19-year-old Salzburg striker.

Marco Asensio appears destined to leave Madrid given his current role, with Sevilla hoping to sign the midfielder, according to El Gol Digital.

– Fichajes reports that Milan are plotting a January move for out-of-favour Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek.

– The Sun claims that Tottenham have revived their interest in West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone as they seek a successor to Hugo Lloris.

Roma head coach Jose Mourinho wants to reunite with Tottenham midfielder Tanguy Ndombele by signing him, reports Calciomercato.

– Marca claims that Manchester City are considering tabling an offer to sign Villareal forward Pau Torres .

Manchester United are in the market for a midfielder. 

With a long-rumoured target looking unlikely, United are shifting their gaze from one England midfielder to another. 

Could they prise another up-and-coming star from Leeds United? 

 

TOP STORY – UNITED SHIFT SIGHTS TO PHILLIPS

Kalvin Phillips is Manchester United's latest target in an effort to shore up the midfield, the Daily Star reports. 

The Leeds star has gained favour at Old Trafford as United have given up hopes of adding West Ham's Declan Rice thanks to his reported £90million price tag.

Phillips, 25, is under contract at Elland Road through 2024 and reportedly is valued at £60m. 

 

ROUND-UP

– Barcelona are still in pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt and are prepared to offer Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Memphis Depay to Juventus in a deal for the Netherlands defender, who is valued at €75m, according to Calciomercato.

– Franck Kessie has turned down Milan's latest contract offer and is eyeing a move to the Premier League, 90min reports, with United and Liverpool said to be interested. 

– Juan Mata is considering a move away from Old Trafford in January due to a lack of playing time this season, the Manchester Evening News reports. 

– Everton are considering loan deals with Real Madrid for Isco and Luka Jovic, claims Defensa Central.

– West Brom teen Reyes Cleary is drawing attention from Borussia Dortmund and Hoffenheim, says the Daily Mail. 

– Steven Nzonzi is nearing a move from Roma to Al Rayyan, Calciomercato reports. 

Mikel Arteta has been delighted with the attitude shown by his Arsenal players despite a tough start to the new season.

Arsenal are without a point or even a goal in the Premier League, the first time they have lost their first two league matches without scoring in their history.

But a trip to West Brom in the EFL Cup on Wednesday boosted confidence as Arsenal ran out 6-0 winners, led by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's hat-trick.

Aubameyang also created a goal for Nicolas Pepe, who in turn assisted Alexandre Lacazette, while Bukayo Saka was also on target.

It was the biggest win of Arteta's coaching career, with Arsenal not previously scoring six in a game since 2017.

Asked by Sky Sports what pleased him most, Arteta – whose side host AFC Wimbledon in round three – replied: "The attitude that the team had, right from the beginning, right from the warm-up, the way that they've been working, the togetherness that there is around the team.

"We're all disappointed that we haven't won any of the two games in the Premier League, but [I am happy with] the attitude of the players and how together they are.

"When you lose, the most important thing is to win the next match.

"As quick as possible, win, get some confidence, get a clean sheet, score some good goals – players that needed goals, as well, players that needed minutes. In general, it was a very positive night."

Aubameyang was perhaps one of those who needed goals, netting his third hat-trick for the Gunners having had his start to the season disrupted by coronavirus.

Back in the XI and back on form, Aubameyang also praised Arsenal's attitude, saying: "It's a great feeling. I'm just happy that today we won this game.

"This is good to build the confidence of the team. We know we had a tough start to the season, but the only thing I can say is the commitment of the players is always there 100 per cent.

"We will try to give our best, to give the fans what they want, winning games and that's it."

Aaron Ramsdale debuted for Arsenal, making four saves, while there was a second bow for Martin Odegaard, who assisted Saka's strike.

The idea of further signings was put to Arteta, who said: "I don't know what will happen. There's still a few days to go – we have some exits, as well, planned – so we will see."

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's hat-trick led Arsenal to their first win of the new season as West Brom were thrashed 6-0 in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

The Gunners have endured a difficult start to the Premier League campaign, losing to Brentford and Chelsea in succession and increasing pressure on Mikel Arteta.

But the Arsenal manager was rewarded for naming a strong XI at the Hawthorns, where West Brom changed their entire line-up.

Aubameyang scored twice and created a third for Nicolas Pepe in the first half, then completed his treble in style either side of strikes from Bukayo Saka and Alexandre Lacazette after the restart.

West Brom enjoyed flurries early in either half but were largely on the back foot and trailed when Saka's shot was spilled at the feet of Aubameyang.

Martin Odegaard then hit the post from a tight angle, but Aubameyang was on hand again when Arsenal next hit the woodwork, profiting on the rebound from Pepe's attempt.

Aubameyang turned provider for Pepe when Alex Palmer blocked his route to goal, before Saka added a popular fourth from Odegaard's flick.

A glorious curling effort from Aubameyang found the top-right corner to cap a fine individual outing, and Arteta introduced Lacazette to get in on the act, arrowing in a cutback from Pepe, who had moments earlier chipped against the crossbar.

 

What does it mean? Some Arsenal respite at last

For the first time in their history, Arsenal have started a league season with back-to-back defeats without scoring. With Manchester City up next, they badly needed a positive result and a positive performance.

Arteta got both, with the Gunners certainly not lacking a goal threat, scoring six in a match for the first time since 2017 against BATE Borisov.

Captain proves his class

Aubameyang endured his most difficult season in an Arsenal shirt last time out, scoring 15 goals across 39 games – just shy of half his tally from the previous campaign.

But there is no doubt the striker has been missed in the early stages of this season after contracting coronavirus, the Gunners having had 22 attempts without scoring against Brentford.

There were no such issues on Wednesday as Aubameyang scored with three of his four shots and provided an assist following the fourth.

Ramsdale still worked

Debutant Aaron Ramsdale would have enjoyed his first Arsenal outing, keeping a clean sheet while still making four saves.

He required treatment for an apparent shoulder injury in the second half but was passed fit to see out a triumphant bow.

What's next?

Arsenal will face a far tougher test when they go to Manchester City on Saturday, while West Brom head to Peterborough United later the same day.

Mikel Arteta's selection options for Arsenal's EFL Cup tie with West Brom have been boosted by the availability of Martin Odegaard, while Alexandre Lacazette has resumed full training.

Lacazette has yet to feature for the Gunners this season after he tested positive for COVID-19 before their Premier League opener against Brentford.

The French striker has now returned to working with the rest of the first-team squad ahead of Wednesday's second-round tie against Championship opponents.

Lacazette scored 17 goals in 43 appearances in all competitions last season to finish as Arsenal's top goalscorer.

Odegaard joined Arsenal from Real Madrid on a permanent basis last Friday following a successful loan spell in the 2020-21 campaign. He scored one goal and provided two assists, while his 20 chances created was the most of any Arsenal player during his temporary spell in north London.

The Norwegian did not receive international clearance in time to feature in Sunday's 2-0 home defeat to London rivals Chelsea.

Arteta will hope for a change of fortunes in the cup competition after back-to-back defeats in their opening two Premier League games.

Meanwhile, reserve goalkeeper Alex Runarsson is available again after overcoming COVID-19 but Arteta may hand a full debut to Aaron Ramsdale, signed from Sheffield United last week.

Defenders Hector Bellerin, Gabriel, Kieran Tierney and forward Gabriel Martinelli have all returned to training ahead of the tie after minor injury concerns.

Arsenal are without striker Eddie Nketiah, who has an ankle injury, amid reported interest from Crystal Palace.

The Gunners are also assessing the fitness of Brazilian forward Willian - recently linked with a move to Corinthians in his homeland - following his recovery from coronavirus.

Centre-back Ben White is absent after testing positive for COVDI-19 before the clash with Chelsea while midfielder Thomas Partey is still unavailable with an ankle injury.

Arsenal face a trip to Championship side West Brom in the second round of the EFL Cup.

Mikel Arteta's side failed to qualify for Europe last season – the first time the Gunners have missed out on continental competition since 1996.

It means they will feature in the EFL Cup second round, with the Premier League's top seven sides given a bye to the third round.

West Brom, who are under the charge of new boss Valerien Ismael, will be their opponents in the week commencing August 23.

The last time the sides met, a 3-1 victory for Arsenal at Emirates Stadium in May condemned the Baggies to a return to the second tier.

League Two side Barrow will host Aston Villa, while Southampton and Brentford will also face a fourth-tier team in the form of Newport County and Forest Green Rovers.

Two all-Premier League ties see Burnley travel to Newcastle United and Watford welcome Crystal Palace to Vicarage Road.

EFL Cup second-round draw in full:

Northern Section

Oldham Athletic v Accrington Stanley
Newcastle United v Burnley
Wigan Athletic v Bolton Wanderers
Huddersfield Town v Everton
Sheffield United v Derby County
Stoke City v Doncaster Rovers
Shrewsbury Town v Rochdale
Nottingham Forest v Wolves
Morecambe v Preston North End
Blackpool v Sunderland
Leeds United v Crewe Alexandra
Barrow v Aston Villa

Southern Section

Brentford v Forest Green Rovers
Millwall v Cambridge United
West Bromwich Albion v Arsenal
Norwich City v Bournemouth
Cardiff City v Brighton and Hove Albion
Birmingham City v Fulham
Gillingham v Cheltenham Town
Queens Park Rangers v Oxford United
Swansea City v Plymouth Argyle
Stevenage v Wycombe Wanderers
Newport County v Southampton
Northampton Town v AFC Wimbledon
Watford v Crystal Palace

Manchester City's pursuit of a new striker is well known.

Sergio Aguero's exit has left a void for the Premier League champions.

City have been linked with a host of big names including Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.

 

TOP STORY - MAN CITY MONITORING LEWANDOWSKI

Manchester City are monitoring the status of Bundesliga top scorer Robert Lewandowski, according to the Daily Mail.

Lewandowski has two years remaining on his Bayern Munich deal but has previously indicated he may be open to a move elsewhere.

The report claims City are worried they may not succeed in their pursuit of Kane and see 32-year-old Lewandowski as an option given his quality and potentially lower asking price.

 

ROUND-UP

- Liverpool is readying a £60million (€70m) bid for Inter and Italy midfielder Nicolo Barella according to La Repubblica. However, Fabrizio Romano claims Inter will not sell him.

- Everton have submitted a £30m (€35m) bid for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, but the Italian club have told the Toffees to double the offer, claims Calciomercato.

- The Telegraph reports that England full-back Kieran Trippier is desperate to return to the Premier League as he waits on a move from Atletico Madrid to Manchester United.

- The Telegraph also claims that Joe Willock will spend time on loan again at Newcastle from Arsenal. He will join the Magpies on a season-long deal.

- SPORT claims that Chelsea are tracking Sevilla's Jules Kounde after he recently rejected interest from Tottenham.

- Chelsea are looking to utilise Tammy Abraham as a sweetener in any deal to land Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund, reports The Mirror.

- West Bromwich have turned down West Ham's offer for goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, claims The Athletic.

Donny van de Beek has been underwhelming since his £35million (€40m) move to Manchester United from Ajax.

The Netherlands international only scored once in 19 league appearances in 2020-21.

He only managed four Premier League starts and, if reports are to be believed, could be used as a pawn in United's transfer activity.

 

TOP STORY – REAL WANTS DONNY IN VARANE DEAL

Real Madrid want  United flop Donny van de Beek as part of a deal for Raphael Varane, claim The Sun.

The Red Devils have chased the French defender this off-season and Los Blancos are open to a switch which could include midfielder Van de Beek joining Madrid on a season-long loan.

Madrid have reportedly asked for €50m ($42.9m) for Varane, after the two clubs held initial talks. The 28-year-old has 12 months left on his current deal.

 

ROUND-UP

- Liverpool are interested in Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez according to La Razon. The 26-year-old Spain international is understood to be keen on a Premier League move.

- The Reds have also looked into signing Lille's Renato Sanches, reports Onze Mondial. The midfielder is said to have admirers at Arsenal, too.

- The Star reports Arsenal are considering a move for West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, if they fail to land Sheffield United's Aaron Ramsdale .

- Corriere dello Sport claim Milan are keen on Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech, who they believe is more attainable than reported target James Rodriguez.

- After scoring four goals at Euro 2020, Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick has drawn interest from Milan, according to Tuttomercatoweb.

Donny van de Beek has been underwhelming since his £35million (€40m) move to Manchester United from Ajax.

The Netherlands international only scored once in 19 league appearances in 2020-21.

He only managed four Premier League starts and, if reports are to be believed, could be used as a pawn in United's transfer activity.

 

TOP STORY – REAL WANTS DONNY IN VARANE DEAL

Real Madrid want  United flop Donny van de Beek as part of a deal for Raphael Varane, claim The Sun.

The Red Devils have chased the French defender this off-season and Los Blancos are open to a switch which could include midfielder Van de Beek joining Madrid on a season-long loan.

Madrid have reportedly asked for €50m ($42.9m) for Varane, after the two clubs held initial talks. The 28-year-old has 12 months left on his current deal.

 

ROUND-UP

- Liverpool are interested in Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez according to La Razon. The 26-year-old Spain international is understood to be keen on a Premier League move.

- The Reds have also looked into signing Lille's Renato Sanches, reports Onze Mondial. The midfielder is said to have admirers at Arsenal, too.

- The Star reports Arsenal are considering a move for West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, if they fail to land Sheffield United's Aaron Ramsdale .

- Corriere dello Sport claim Milan are keen on Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech, who they believe is more attainable than reported target James Rodriguez.

- After scoring four goals at Euro 2020, Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick has drawn interest from Milan, according to Tuttomercatoweb.

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