Premier League transfer news and rumours
Pickford: speculation did not affect me
With match-winning performances and stunning saves at the World Cup it was no surprise that England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was a target for some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
German giants Bayern Munich were linked with him during the summer but the main interest in the Everton No.1 came from Premier League rivals Chelsea.
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Sky Sports reports that despite the prospect of a big-money move, Pickford says he was never affected by the speculation.
The 24-year-old, who this week signed a new six-year contract at Everton, said: “You’ve just got to keep performing and put that to the back of your mind. You just don’t let it affect you - even if you see speculation. I just knuckle down and focus on my game, that’s how I do it. I knew I had a contract with Everton and I didn’t at any time think anything other.”
Everton signed Pickford from Sunderland for £30m last year.
Fabregas on Hazard’s future
Cesc Fabregas says Chelsea face a tough task to keep Eden Hazard next summer, when he has only one year left on his contract. Despite speculation of a move to Real Madrid, the Blues managed to keep Hazard, but unless a new contract is agreed it could be a “different story” says his teammate.
Spaniard Fabregas told the Evening Standard: “Not many teams in the world can buy Eden Hazard. He still had two years left on his contract. Next year if he has one year left, that’s a different story. You don’t have as much power as a club. Eden is one of the best players in the world. But having two years left, especially how the market is, it’s basically impossible to sign him up. I don’t think it was that hard from the club.”
Cesc Fabregas: Chelsea to AC Milan
Meanwhile, Fabregas himself is the subject of transfer speculation today. According to reports in Spain, the 31-year-old is a target for AC Milan and the Italians could make a move in January. (Mundo Deportivo)
Paul Pogba: Manchester United to Barcelona/Juventus
The “Paul Pogba to leave Manchester United” rumours continue. The Independent reports that Barcelona are “monitoring” the French midfielder’s situation at Old Trafford. However, according to The Sun, his former club Juventus are “coy” on Pogba returning to Turin.
Welbeck will wait for his chance
Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck is happy to be patient and prove his worth to Gunners head coach Unai Emery. The England forward, who is out of contract at the end of the season, said: “You have got to wait for your opportunity. A few of the lads had a bit more of a pre-season than me, which made it a bit difficult. I came back a bit later than the others.” (Evening Standard)
Hammers offer deal to Rice
West Ham United have made an “improved contract offer” worth more than £40,000 a week to 19-year-old Declan Rice. It’s claimed that the offer will be the last one following “frustrating” contract negotiations. (The Daily Telegraph)
Grealish disappointed by failed Tottenham move
Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish has committed his future to the Championship club but he admits being disappointed not to move to Tottenham in the summer. The 23-year-old, who has now signed a five-year deal at Villa, said: “Of course, there’s going to be disappointment there. You’ve just got to look at what Spurs have done this season. I felt that if I’d gone there I could have maybe been in the England squad by the end of the year. I would never have gone there just to make up the numbers.” (The Daily Telegraph)
Jokanovic aims to keep Sessegnon long term
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic is keen to keep Ryan Sessegnon at the club and wants to persuade the highly-rated 18-year-old to sign a new long-term deal. (Sky Sports)
Weekend Premier League fixtures
Saturday 29 September (3pm unless stated)
- West Ham United vs. Manchester United (12.30pm, live on BT Sport 1)
- Arsenal vs. Watford
- Everton vs. Fulham
- Huddersfield Town vs. Tottenham Hotspur
- Manchester City vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
- Newcastle United vs. Leicester City
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Southampton
- Chelsea vs. Liverpool (5.30pm, live on BT Sport 1)
Sunday 30 September
- Cardiff City vs. Burnley (4pm, live on Sky Sports)
Monday 1 October
- Bournemouth vs. Crystal Palace (8pm, live on Sky Sports)
