Rasmus Hojlund has been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent weeks, with Manchester United keen on securing his services.

According to a report from Corriere dello Sport via Football Italia, Manchester United have reportedly failed with a €35 million offer for 20-year-old Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund.

The 20-year-old joined Atalanta at the start of the season from Sturm Graz, and he has made an immediate impact in Italian football. Hojlund has established himself as one of the most lethal forwards in Serie A. So it is no surprise that the top clubs, including Manchester United, are hoping to sign him.

The Danish striker has the potential to develop into a world-class goalscorer, and Manchester United will be hoping to snap him up before his price explodes. The youngster could be available for a reasonable fee this summer. So it will be interesting to see if Manchester United decide to come forward with an improved offer after the rejection of the €35 million bid.

The Red Devils certainly have the financial resources to pay big money for the Dane, and it will be interesting to see how the situation develops. The 20-year-old striker was a key player for Atalanta, and the Italian club will be looking to recoup as much as possible for him.

The striker scored 16 goals across all competitions last season while picking up seven assists along the way. His numbers are likely to improve when he plays alongside better players at a bigger club. Manchester United have top-class creators like Bruno Fernandes at their disposal, and Hojlund is likely to have better service at Old Trafford.

The talented youngster will look to make his mark in European football. And moving to a big club like Manchester United will provide him with the platform he needs. Furthermore, Manchester United have qualified for the Champions League and the 20-year-old will be attracted to the idea of competing against the European elite next season.

The Red Devils have been overly dependent on Marcus Rashford for goals, and the English international could use more support in the attack. The 20-year-old striker could form a quality partnership with Rashford next season.

His arrival would also allow the England international to operate in his natural role as the left-sided winger. Hojlund has been likened to Erling Haaland following his prolific displays, and he could be the ideal long-term addition to the Manchester United squad.

[HardTackle]

Kylian Mbappe is reportedly requesting €240million (£206m) if he is to join any club this summer.  

The PSG and France forward is currently on holiday after a gruelling but hugely successful season.

For his club, Mbappe netted 41 goals in 43 games, while he also added 13 more goals for Les Bleus across the past 12 months - which included winning the Golden Boot at the World Cup in Qatar.

However, there is currently uncertainty over his future with the Parisians after he confirmed a desire to leave the club upon the expiry of his contract in June 2024.

In a statement released earlier this month, the forward pointed to the French giant's 'shortcomings' and the departure of World Cup winner Lionel Messi as major factors in his decision not to renew his deal.

He has been linked to a whole host of clubs, including Real Madrid - who Mbappe snubbed last summer to pen a new contract - although his reported £893,000-per-week wages are seen as a potential challenge for any suitor.

And, according to Marca, the France star - who is represented by his mother Fayza Lamari - would request a package worth £206m from any club.

The report also states that long-term admirers Real never saw a move for Mbappe as being on the cards this year, and this hasn't changed since he outlined his desire to leave PSG.

There is a belief at the Bernabeu that the 24-year-old - who is one of the best-paid athletes in the world - is a 'prisoner of money' who must realise he will have to take a pay cut if he does eventually move to the Bernabeu.

Los Blancos' plan remains to approach him as a free agent next summer - a move they were very close to completing last year.

Given the lack of alternatives, and along with financial considerations, this means that despite the departure of club icon and legend Karim Benzema, Carlo Ancelotti's side are not expected to bring in another striker currently.

Last month they did complete a deal to bring in Espanyol's 33-year-old striker Joselu on a season-long loan deal. 

The former Stoke City and Newcastle flop endured a torrid time in the Premier League but has since reinvigorated his career back in his homeland.

He scored 16 times last season for Espanyol - who were relegated from LaLiga - while he has also netted three times in four caps for Spain since breaking into the national team earlier this year.  

Speculation surrounding Mbappe comes amid chaos engulfing PSG in recent days.

Boss Christophe Galtier - who is widely expected to be replaced by Luis Enrique in the role - was reportedly taken into police custody over allegations of racism while in charge of Nice and it remains to be seen what happens next.

[DailyMail]

Last month, Tottenham confirmed that Clement Lenglet will be returning to FC Barcelona after the expiry of his loan spell. But talks were understood to be continuing in the background over a possible permanent transfer.

In fact, some reports even suggested that the defender and the London club had reached an agreement in principle over his contract terms. But the talks of a transfer have gone quiet recently, casting doubts about whether Spurs do intend to sign him or not.

But the Premier League giants are waiting it out for Barcelona to possibly terminate his contract so that they can sign the defender on a free transfer this summer, reports AS.

The Spanish news publication claims Deco is currently working on two important files right now, as Barcelona look to reduce their salary mass. One of them is Lenglet, who is coming on the back of a relatively impressive loan spell at Spurs.

Tottenham were understood to be keen on a permanent transfer, but there was a difference in the valuation of the player between the two clubs.

And, the Lilywhites are now hoping that the Catalans will now terminate his contract, much like they did with Samuel Umtiti, which will enable them to sign the defender on a free transfer this summer.

The idea of Barça handing Lenglet a letter of freedom is not so far-fetched either. After returning to Camp Nou this summer, the defender is entitled to a figure of around €16 million next season in the form of wages.

That would greatly burden Barcelona, especially given the current economic situation. With that in mind, the Blaugrana might not rule out the possibility of terminating the contract of the former Sevilla centre-back, who has no future at the club.

The Catalans, though, could always wait around for other suitors. Lenglet, after all, has enjoyed a good season in the Premier League, which is bound to attract interest.

There is a possibility the club could lower their demands for the defender, so it will be interesting to see how things transpire in the coming weeks.

[BarcaUniversal]

Taking into consideration the current economical situation at FC Barcelona, it is no secret that the Catalan club is in the market to generate additional funds as well as find new arrivals to strengthen the squad for next season.

However, despite them being keen on certain arrivals that would entail significant transfer fees if they are to come to Barcelona, it is also simultaneously true that La Blaugrana will need to make significant sales in order to facilitate those transfer fees.

In comes the potential interest of English Premier League side Manchester City in one of Barcelona’s biggest stars. As per English outlet The Sun and further highlighted by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the Premier League champions are reportedly interested in Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong.

Moreover, similar to how their city rivals Manchester United were willing to spend big on the Dutchman last year, the Mancunians are also not far behind in terms of the financial offer.

As per speculation, the Manchester City offer for Frenkie De Jong reportedly stands around a massive €104 million. The 26-year-old is currently valued at €75 million as per Transfermarkt, a value around which Barcelona paid to take him away from his previous club Ajax Amsterdam in 2019.

Having already lost club captain Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona on a free transfer, as well as other targets such as Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid and Declan Rice to Arsenal, Manchester City are adamant on ensuring they themselves are not left behind in terms of recruitment.

While the validity of this potential offer remains to be addressed, it must be remembered that it was only recently that Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed the club having rejected a €100 million offer for De Jong in the past and were happy with their decision.

[BarcaNewsNetwork]

Daniil Medvedev described Novak Djokovic as “the greatest” yesterday, defying the conventional wisdom to place Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on the same pedestal as the Serb.

Djokovic racked up a men’s record 23rd Grand Slam title with a third French Open triumph last month.

He is about to launch a bid to equal Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles which will move him alongside Margaret Court as the all-time top major winner with 24 titles.

“I think if I saw it right, Novak is almost 50%. I think I saw he played 70 majors, and 35 times he was in the final. I don’t know how is it possible. He doesn’t have bad days?” said Medvedev.

“Actually, he does, like everybody but even on these bad days, he manages to beat the opponent. I don’t know how he’s doing it. That’s why he’s for me the greatest in the history of tennis.”

Should Djokovic successfully defend his Wimbledon title, he will just need to pocket the US Open in September to become the first man since 1969 to claim a calendar Grand Slam.

Djokovic had the same opportunity in 2021 but lost the final in New York — to Medvedev.

“To be able to beat him when he was going for a Grand Slam, maybe he was a little bit tighter than usual, but I played an amazing match,” recalled Medvedev.

Djokovic’s career-long rival Andy Murray, meanwhile, described the Serb’s achievement in reaching 23 majors as “phenomenal”.

Murray, a former world number one, was the last man to defeat Djokovic on Centre Court when he won the first of his two Wimbledon titles in 2013.

That was the only time in their 36-match head-to-head they have ever met at the All England Club.

“What he’s gone on to achieve the latter stages of his career, it’s been incredible. Also doesn’t look like he’s slowing down,” said Murray who practised with Djokovic at the tournament yesterday.

“What he did at the French Open, it was phenomenal.

“Brilliant performance against Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals. Just very clinical, considering how much was on the line. It shows the strength of character that he’s got.” — AFP

[malaymail]

Former two-time French Open finalist Alex Corretja thinks Emma Raducanu is "paying now" for going from a regular girl to a global superstar overnight. In 2021, an 18-year-old Raducanu made tennis history when she became the first-ever male or female player to win a Grand Slam as a qualifier.Raducanu, who was ranked around No 150 at the time, instantly became one of the most popular tennis players and her face was grazing the covers of magazines.But when injuries and a poor form struck, that's when things went south for Raducanu.

"I think what happened to her is super difficult to digest, to deal with. All of a sudden, you are a regular girl and she goes there as a qualifier [US Open in 2021] and then she is capable to win the tournament. You have to speak to the press, people recognize you in the street and know where you are in the world.

It goes from zero to a thousand in a few weeks. And that process she didn't get through, she's paying now. The understanding of everyone looking at you, expecting you to win every match or tournament you play, it's super difficult.

When she was playing the qualifiers at 19, she was still developing," Corretja told Express-Sport.

Corretja advises Raducanu to find a long-term coach

After undergoing multiple surgeries in May, Raducanu also split with coach Sebastian Sachs.

With that move, Raducanu changed her fifth different coach in the last two years. When Raducanu returns to action, Corretja thinks she should be looking to find someone with whom she can develop trust."I don't know exactly what [she needs] to do next, but she needs to be committed to a team and get confidence in the people you work with.

Because if you keep on changing [coaches], they didn't get to know you and you don't trust what they are saying because the one from five weeks ago was better. You need to say 'these are my goals and this is what I want to do. Let's work together for them,'" Corretja said.

[tennisworldusa]

Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka opened her Wimbledon press conference by telling reporters she won't be answering any political questions during The Championships. During the French Open, Sabalenka had a tense moment with a Ukrainian journalist in back-to-back press conferences.That resulted in Sabalenka being pardoned from conducting a regular press conference after her third and fourth-round wins at the French Open.When Sabalenka returned to the press room in Paris, she highlighted that she wasn't supporting the invasion of Ukraine.

"Before we continue I would like to say I'm not going to talk about politics. I'm here to talk about tennis only. If you have any kind of political questions, you can ask WTA or the tournament. They can send you the transcript of my answers from the previous tournaments," Sabalenka said.

Sabalenka on returning to Wimbledon

Last year, Sabalenka was banned from competing at Wimbledon.After a strong push from the ATP and WTA, the Wimbledon organizers changed their stance and allowed Russian and Belarusian to return to The Championships this year.In her pre-tournament press conference, Sabalenka revealed she couldn't watch Wimbledon last year because it was too painful for her.

"I was at home having a little vacation, then practicing. But, no, I didn’t watch Wimbledon a lot. I felt so bad and I just couldn’t watch it. Every time if Wimbledon would be on TV, I would cry, so I decided just to stay away from Wimbledon last year," Sabalenka revealed.In 2021, Sabalenka made her first Wimbledon semifinal.

At this year's Wimbledon, Sabalenka is considered among the top favorites for the title.In her Wimbledon opener, Sabalenka will be playing against Panna Udvardy. When Sabalenka and Udvardy meet, it will be their first meeting. Going into the match, anything but a routine win for Sabalenka would be a surprise.

[tennisworldusa]

Novak Djokovic is looking to tie his legacy with Roger Federer this month and Chris Evert's ex-husband, John Lloyd, has detailed the Serb's stature if he conquers the 2023 Wimbledon Championships.

Djokovic has had an impressive run this season as he has decimated challenges from professionals performing at their best, and his journey is far from ceasing. After recently capturing the 2023 French Open title and achieving the feat of winning all the Grand Slams at least thrice, the 36-year-old has now set his eyes on the prestigious Wimbledon crown.

With the addition of the Paris Major, the Serb not only surpassed Spaniard Rafael Nadal's slam count but also equaled Serena Williams' Grand Slam record (23 titles). He is now looking forward to tying his legacy with Magaret Court's untouched 24 slam count.

This, however, isn't the only milestone that the World No. 2 is speculated to achieve. According to John Lloyd, Djokovic will be distinctively recognized in the Centre Court of the All-England Club and share Federer's solely held position at the grasscourt event. The 68-year-old stated that the feat will come into play if the 23-time Major winner manages to match the Swiss Maestro's eight Wimbledon titles.

"If Novak Djokovic wins this year, he’s equaled Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles. We’re used to thinking of Centre Court as Roger’s place but if Novak wins this year it is his place too!" wrote Lloyd.

The Serbian icon is set to appear in the third slam of the season, starting July 3, and will face Argentinian Pedro Cachin in the first round.

Novak Djokovic claims extra motivation is immaterial to winning slams

Novak Djokovic is scheduled to appear in the 2023 Wimbledon Championship and his biggest challenge in the slam will be Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz.

The No.1 seed, Alcaraz, is set to pose as the Serb's biggest threat owing to his jaw-dropping performance this season. Furthermore, the duo's notable age gap potentially gives the Spaniard an edge over the legendary player.

In a recent press conference at Wimbledon, the 36-year-old was asked how bracing can it be when facing someone like Alcaraz. The Serb quickly dismissed such inquiries and claimed that he doesn't need the Spaniard or extra motivation when eying a Grand Slam, and he rather stays focused on himself.

"There's always someone out there. There always has been and always will be. For me, I don't need to have Carlos or anybody else really to find that extra drive and motivation when I enter slams because I know that I have to win seven matches to win a title."

"Most of my attention is focused on my body and my mind, my game, trying to I guess bring it to the optimal state where I'm performing my best every match," he said.

[sportskeeda]