Sources: Man Utd target tells European giants he wants to leave, agents hold talks with Liverpool

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 29, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC understands that Bayern Munich defender Matthijs De Ligt has told the club he wants to leave this summer.

Bayern Munich are open to letting Mattihjs De Ligt leave this summer and talks have taken place with a number of Premier League clubs.

Since joining the German giants during the summer of 2022, the Dutch centre-back has been one of the more promising players for the Bavarian side.

However, De Ligt was a frustrated figure under Thomas Tuchel along with central defensive team-mate Kim Min-Jae.

Both players made it clear to Bayern’s hierarchy they would not put up with a repeat this season as they prepare for life under former Burnley manager Vincent Kompany.

Bayern have already completed the signing of Hiroki Ito and are in talks for the signing of Jonathan Tah which would clear the way for the De Ligt sale.

Bayern Munich’s stance on De Ligt explained

Bayern have now decided that whilst they want the former Napoli defender Kim Min Jae to compete under Kompany next season, they are ready to let De Ligt move on.

De Ligt is one of the higher earners at the club and Bayern realise they may have to subsidise those earnings to cement a move, and HITC is also told that they would consider a loan with an option to facilitate his exit although they would clearly prefer a sale.

There is interest in the former Ajax defender from multiple top sides in the Premier League with Manchester United understood to be one of the sides keen on the defender.

De Ligt’s representatives in contact with a number of Premier League clubs

We understand that talks have taken place with United, Liverpool and Chelsea – whilst Arsenal, Manchester City and Newcastle have been made aware of this situation.

HITC understands United have made it clear they are keen on De Ligt and he is on their list of options – whilst they continue their talks over Jarrad Branthwaite, although it is increasingly unlikely they are going to be able to agree terms with Everton.

The Red Devils have agreed terms with the Everton defender but the Englishman is said to cost £70 million.

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'I wish': Lamine Yamal urges Barcelona to beat Arsenal and Liverpool to £40m ace

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 28, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

One of the stars of Euro 2024 appears to have made up his mind. And that is bad news for his array of Premier League suitors.

HITC reported last week that, talks have been held with Arsenal, Newcastle United, Liverpool and an Aston Villa side who reportedly submitted a £45 million bid for their long-standing transfer target last January, per the Daily Mail.

History looks likely to repeat itself for Villa, however, with their top-flight rivals also likely to end up disappointed.

And not just because Nico Williams, HITC understands, has left his suitors shocked by demanding an eye-watering £300,000-a-week wage at his next club. The Athletic Bilbao speedster has his heart set on Barcelona.

As anyone who has watched Williams and Lamine Yamal tear full-backs limb from limb at the European Championships will tell you, this is a partnership with infinite potential.

Ripping into defences like the red arrows in full flight, whoever said Spain can only play one way?

• READ: 50 MOST LIKELY PREMIER LEAGUE, EFL AND EUROPEAN SUMMER 2024 FOOTBALL TRANSFERS

Arsenal and Liverpool among Nico Williams’ suitors

The searing pace and devastating directness of Williams and 16-year-old Yamal have transformed a usually possession-obsessed Spain side into arguably the tournament’s most thrilling side in quick transitions too.

And the understanding between Williams and Yamal would only grow if the former joins the latter at the Camp Nou. Williams is keen to make the move happen. And so is a man – or kid, really – who became the youngest to ever feature at a Euros during Spain’s 3-0 curtain-raising thrashing of Croatia.

“Yes, I wish Nico could come to Barca,” Yamal tells Diario Sport.

“At the first meeting, I met Nico and then we became very good friends. We get along very well. You can see that on the pitch too, that we are very close, that we are very good friends. And that is the most important thing to have the connection on the pitch.”

HITC understands that Williams is Barcelona’s first-choice target this summer. A left winger by trade, the Athletic academy graduate would likely fill a spot vacated by Joao Felix with the Portuguese playmaker heading back to Atletico Madrid after the expiration of his season-long loan deal.

Barcelona the dream move for Spain Euro 2024 star

There had been concerns over Williams’ end product not so long ago. But with eight goals and a remarkable 19 assists for Athletic in 2023/24, those fears have been emphatically dispelled with every power-packed finish and every eviscerating drive into the box.

The relative elder statesman of Spain’s wing duo at the age of 21, the often ‘unstoppable’ Williams has been reluctant to give anything away in public even if, in private, it appears he is keen to link up with Yamal on a weekly basis in red-and-blue.

“(Every rumour) is good. It means I’m doing my job well. Every kid dreams of being noticed by big clubs,” Williams explains to La Vanguardia.

“I’m focused on doing well at the European Championship. And whatever comes after that I’ll find out, because these days I’m totally disconnected.

“(Yamal and I) get along very well. We’re not just team-mates, we’re also friends, and I think that’s something that also matters when it comes to leading a team to the big time.

“We started talking and we saw that we had a lot of similar topics of conversation. That’s also when the banter started and now I think we have a nice relationship.”

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Defender who played against Wayne Rooney and Mohamed Salah names Chelsea legend as toughest opponent

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 28, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Former Southampton, Chelsea and Leicester City defender Ryan Bertrand has named the toughest opponent of his career.

During Ryan Bertrand’s time playing in the Premier League, the Englishman had to face some of the best players ever seen in the top division of English football.

The 34-year-old defender played against Wayne Rooney and Mohamed Salah just to name a few of the star studded players he has had to face during his career.

Bertrand had a superb trophy haul during his career, winning the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012, as well as the Europa League and FA Cup, also with the Blues.

Bertrand names Chelsea legend as toughest opponent

Despite playing against Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer and one of the finest goalscorers Liverpool have had in the 21st century in Salah, Bertrand has named another player as his toughest opponent.

“I’d probably say Hazard,” Bertrand told talkSPORT when asked to name the toughest opponent he has had to play during his career.

“Playing against Hazard was probably a tough one because of his low centre of gravity.”

The English left-back faced Hazard on nine occasions during his time at Southampton and also played with the Belgian winger on 34 occasions during Bertrand’s time at Stamford Bridge.

Hazard will go down as a bonafide Chelsea legend as the former Lille winger was crucial for the club as they won two Premier League titles during his time in West London.

Hazard’s career came to a sad end

After numerous outstanding seasons for Chelsea, Real Madrid came in for the Belgian and splashed out £130 million on the exciting winger.

Sadly for Hazard, and Madrid, the move never worked out as the Belgian had to deal with numerous injury issues during his time in the Spanish capital and never recovered.

Despite this, he still won two La Liga titles, the Champions League, the Super Cup, the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup during his time at Los Blancos.

Hazard will always be remembered for tearing Premier League defences apart and Jamie Carragher once had some high praise for the Belgian.

After Hazard scored an outrageous goal against Liverpool back in 2018, Carragher told Sky Sports: “Think of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Gianfranco Zola and you can even go back to Diego Maradona and Pele. They can’t be bullied in football. Even though they are great players, you think ‘how do you stop them?’

“You can’t knock them off the ball and he has got that power and strength in the legs and the backside.

“I said on commentary that he is the best player in the Premier League. It’s not because he scored that goal, I believe it. I think he should have been named the best player of the World Cup also.”

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'The criticism affects me'... Liverpool star hits back after being called 'horrendous' at Euro 2024

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 28, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Liverpool had 10 first-team players jet off to Germany to compete in Euro 2024 but it hasn’t gone to plan for all of them.

Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s experiment in the England side backfired and he was left out completely for their final group stage clash against Slovenia.

Andy Robertson has also not had an enjoyable Euros experience after his Scotland side crashed out of their group alongside a Hungary side featuring Dominik Szoboszlai.

Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk helped the Netherlands squeeze through to the knockout stages by finishing third in their group, and the latter has been put in the firing line by his national media.

The Netherlands are now set to face Romania in the round of 16 on Tuesday afternoon and pressure is on Van Dijk to improve on his poor display against Austria.

Virgil van Dijk responds to Euro 2024 criticism

Van Dijk is widely considered one of, if not the best, defenders in the Premier League but the defensive aura and leadership he brings to Anfield has not been carried over to his national side.

The 32-year-old looked shaky and overwhelmed at times against Austria, but he has soaked up the criticism and agreed that he must improve.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday morning, Van Dijk said: “We have spoken a lot in the last 48 hours and some harsh words have been spoken.

“I blame myself too. I’m not crazy, I know when things need to be improved. That’s what I’m working on. That is the basis for getting better.

“That is the responsibility I take now and that responsibility is very great, especially with the national team. And the criticism affects me.”

Virgil van Dijk must bounce back from ‘horrendous’ display

Van Dijk was branded “horrendous” by BBC pundit Thomas Hitzlsperger for his recent performance against Austria.

READ MORE: Sporting director of European giant likes ‘really special’ Liverpool star who wants a new contract

He is now under pressure to turn things around for his national team with elimination now at stake.

Liverpool will rely on Van Dijk at the heart of their defence next season and Arne Slot will want his star centre-back to return to training full of confidence.

The post 'The criticism affects me'... Liverpool star hits back after being called 'horrendous' at Euro 2024 appeared first on HITC.

‘We all like him’: Roy Keane hails ‘really good’ Euro 2024 midfielder West Ham are huge admirers of

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 27, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

West Ham United now begin a new chapter after the departure of David Moyes.

In recent years, West Ham fans have been used to the team competing in Europe, but they will have their midweeks empty next season.

Whether it’s through winning the FA Cup or finishing in the top seven, Julen Lopetegui won’t just be tasked to get the club higher up the table, but also improve the style of play.

That will require changes to the squad, with departures expected and several big names linked with moves to the London Stadium.

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In recent times, HITC has revealed that there is interest in Wolves centre-back Max Kilman, who worked with the West Ham boss in the Midlands.

But the Hammers are also huge admirers of Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, who might not be handed a new deal at Stamford Bridge and that has interested several Premier League clubs, as HITC revealed in April.

Roy Keane stated that Gallagher is a player ‘we all like’ as he touched upon the midfielder’s energy, as he told ITV Sport.

Gallagher is currently on England duty at Euro 2024, he started the last group game draw against Slovenia, but was subbed off at half-time.

One area Keane thinks Gallagher has issues in is his lack of ability when in possession because ‘you certainly can’t question his honesty’.

West Ham United’s transfer interest in Conor Gallagher

“Aren’t you supposed to do that for every game, press well and bring energy,” said Keane.

“Conor Gallagher. We all like him. I think he’s a really good player. Sometimes I think he lacks real quality when he is in possession. He is a workman-like player. You certainly can’t question his honesty. He will get forward. And as I said, just that question mark when he is in possession.”

If Conor Gallagher leaves Chelsea…

It seems as though the player in question wants to stay, but with 12 months left on his deal and the possibility of making a serious profit on an academy star, then others seem to be unwilling.

Either way, if Gallagher leaves Chelsea, then his next club have a player that they can very much rely on and prove to elevate the qualities around him.

READ MORE: West Ham United’s newest signing says he was desperate to move to the Hammers

Push or allow Gallagher the freedom to get forward and then he will also score crucial goals for you.

Either way, when Euro 2024 concludes, this is a name looking out for throughout the summer transfer window.

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‘Really come after him…’ Danny Murphy says Liverpool star ‘frustrated’ with teammates at Euro 2024

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 26, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Virgil van Dijk could be facing some familiar faces at Euro 2024 if the Netherlands draw England in the knockout stages.

The Liverpool centre-back is regarded as one of the best in the Premier League and a proven winner on the domestic stage.

But the Netherlands aren’t performing as well as they would have liked. They finished third in Group D and lost their final group game 3-2 to Austria.

Virgil van Dijk is a man who has been critiqued heavily for his performances and it’s something that is the norm for the Liverpool man on the international stage.

The 32-year-old can’t argue too much because the Dutch have been all over the place from a defensive aspect and it seems to be getting to the player.

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Danny Murphy stated that, during the Netherlands’ 3-2 defeat to Austria, he was ‘getting frustrated’ with his teammates.

Stefan de Vrij and Lutsharel Geertruida were two players seemingly under fire from the Liverpool man.

At that time, the Netherlands were 1-0 down, with Murphy sharing that van Dijk was ‘really coming after’ de Vrij and he would have given them a few stern words at half-time, as he told Match of the Day on BBC One.

Ronald Koeman’s side did come out for the second half with a bit more fight about them because Cody Gakpo scored straight away amid his own mixed performance.

But they still proceeded to concede two more goals, with van Dijk coming under fire himself, despite his annoyance with what was around him.

Virgil van Dijk ‘frustrated’ at Euro 2024

“Van Dijk is getting frustrated,” said Murphy. “He has come across de Vrij there. Really come after him to try and get after some people and close someone down.

“He has had a little pop at Geertruida as well. Telling him to come on. I expect a few words at half-time, never mind from the manager, but from the lads and Virgil van Dijk. When he goes in, give them a few kicks because it has been lacklustre from too many of them.”

Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool next season

Many felt that van Dijk was back to his best during the previous campaign and he is going to be key in Arne Slot settling in.

The arrival of van Dijk and Alisson Becker started Liverpool’s trophy dominance under Jurgen Klopp.

READ MORE: Director claims £20m Liverpool ace ‘definitely wants’ to join his side this summer

There have been Saudi clubs wanting to sign those two and you feel Slot has to stop any possible sale, even if the money might be too good to turn down.

The new Liverpool boss needs as much early support as possible because this gig is going to be far tougher than he thinks.

The post ‘Really come after him…’ Danny Murphy says Liverpool star ‘frustrated’ with teammates at Euro 2024 appeared first on HITC.

Tottenham Hotspur star scores twice in private friendly after avoiding Euro 2024 injury nightmare

By: Muhammad Saeed on June 26, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Tottenham Hotspur only have a handful of players in action at Euro 2024 with a number of stars missing out for various reasons.

Ange Postecoglou guided Tottenham to a fifth-place finish in the Premier League this past season, securing Europa League football.

The top four evaded Tottenham but this was a decent first season under Postecoglou despite a number of players being snubbed for Euro 2024 action.

Pedro Porro was surprisingly axed by Spain whilst James Maddison was overlooked by England.

Timo Werner has also been snubbed by Germany as he returns on loan to Tottenham from RB Leipzig, so a number of Spurs players are missing from Euro 2024.

There is some Tottenham representation in the tournament; Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been featuring prominently for Denmark, even leaving Jamie Carragher surprised with his display against England.

Radu Dragusin has been shining for Romania too whilst centre back Micky van de Ven has been utilised as a substitute by the Netherlands.

Micky van de Ven scores twice in Netherlands friendly

Spurs centre back Van de Ven came on for just three minutes against Poland in the first group stage game before then playing 25 minutes against Austria on Tuesday.

Van de Ven couldn’t prevent a 3-2 defeat against Austria, but the Netherlands are still through to the knockout stages of the competition.

It’s a tough ask for Van de Ven to break into the Netherlands side but he is certainly giving it a good go right now.

Ronald Koeman’s side took the surprise decision to play a behind-closed-doors friendly against lowly German side TSV Havelse.

Koeman seemingly wanted to keep his squad sharp and give chances to fringe players ahead of a huge knockout clash in the coming days.

Van de Ven certainly took his chance, scoring twice in a dominant 6-1 victory for the Dutch side.

Wout Weghorst also scored twice whilst Brian Brobbey and Jeremie Frimpong got themselves on the scoresheet too.

Van de Ven may still be on the bench for the next Netherlands clash but scoring twice in a private friendly is certainly one way to try and push for a starting role.

The Tottenham star may even just feel lucky to be in contention for action right now having recently avoided an injury.

Van de Ven was involved in an incident with former Tottenham winger Steven Bergwijn during a Dutch training session.

Unsurprisingly, Van de Ven was pretty angry with Bergwijn described as going ‘all out’ on the centre back’s ankle.

That situation has been calmed down with Bergwijn apologising and Van de Ven will be hoping to have caught Koeman’s eye after avoiding an injury nightmare.

• READ: 50 MOST LIKELY PREMIER LEAGUE, EFL AND EUROPEAN SUMMER 2024 FOOTBALL TRANSFERS

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