Mbappe was ‘in talks’ with Liverpool before PSG new deal, Sadio Mane reaches Bayern Munich ‘breakthrough’ – updates

England squad announced

Here’s the England squad for the upcoming Nations League games.

Gareth Southgate has handed first call-ups to Jarrod Bowen and James Justin in his 27-man England squad for the upcoming Nations League matches.

The Three Lions face Hungary twice in June, while they also battle Italy and Germany in Group A3.

Ten Hag warning to rivals

New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag warned rivals Liverpool and Manchester City he is coming for them.

Ten Hag said: “In this moment, I admire them both, Manchester City and Liverpool. They both play really fantastic football, both Liverpool and Man City.

“But you will always see an era can come to an end and I am looking forward to battling with them.

“I’m really looking forward to doing this job at this club with massive history. And we want to restore it to where it belongs”.

Tuchel tells of a five club race

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed the five teams he believes will be fighting it out for the Premier League title next season – and it includes his own club but not Arsenal.

Tuchel said: “It will be a super tough race. Manchester United will be in the race, Tottenham will be in the race with Antonio Conte for sure, and we want to stay in the race.

“And Liverpool and Man City will do everything to even make their squads bigger.

“They set the standard so, so high and it will take the same to be competitive next season.

“While like everybody else tries to close the gap to us…the two top teams are what they are, a benchmark of consistency.

“That’s the situation and from there on we do our very best to be competitive because this is what we want to be”

Haaland in town

Erling Haaland has landed in Manchester as he prepares to meet his new City team-mates.

The 21 year-old was spotted taking a taxi from the airport as he embarks on a new chapter in his prolific goalscoring career, writes John Hutchinson.

Earlier, Haaland was spotted flying out of Barcelona Airport on his way to the UK.

The striker has recently completed a £51million bargain move from Borussia Dortmund to the Premier League champions.

City met his release clause that was due to expire this summer.

Tchouameni says goodbye

On reports that Aurelien Tchouameni will join Real Madrid, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano adds that Tchouameni has already said goodbye to pals at Monaco.

Romano tweeeted: “Aurelien Tchouameni has already communicated to his teammates the intention to join Real Madrid, as per @JulienMaynard.

“He dreams of Real.”

Aurelien Tchou join Madrid

RMCsport suggest that Aurelien Tchouameni will join Real Madrid on 5-year contract, the transfer costing the Spanish champions around £60million.

 Arsenal and Manchester United had emerged as some of the frontrunners.

But the midfielder – likened to Paul Pogba in style – seems to have decided on the Spanish capital.

The talented Tchouameni has been wowing scouts all over Europe with his performances for Monaco.

His ability was underlined earlier this month when he netted two stunning goals in a win against Lille.

Jesus loves you

Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus is still open to joining Arsenal despite Mikel Arteta’s men failing to secure Champions League football.

Jesus has been heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates as well as Tottenham, with SunSport understanding the Gunners are in pole position to sign him.

The potential transfer is still on according to Globo Esporte, with the centre-forward prepared to miss out on Europe’s premier competition.

The report adds that the Brazil international’s agents will now meet with City to present offers for the forward with the club hoping to fetch a fee between £42million-£52m.

Meanwhile, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has stated that Arsenal have made signing Jesus their top priority

Arms race for Broja

Chelsea loanee Armando Broja is at the centre of a bidding war between Newcastle and West Ham.

Broja impressed with a series of impressive performances at Southampton and has attracted the attention of other clubs before the summer window.

According to Goal, the Hammers and the Magpies are attempting to sign the forward up during the summer.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is believed to be open to the Albania international returning to Stamford Bridge next season.

But the 20-year-old may have options if he wants more first-team football

Xav some of that

Chelsea have been handed a transfer boost as Barcelona manager Xavi admitted Ousmane Dembele may have played his last game for the club.

Dembele has also recently been linked with Manchester United and Arsenal.

According to Get Football News Spain, the Spanish tactician said: “It could be his last game, but it could also be the last game for others.

“I like him and he can help us in the future. It depends on the negotiations”

Net Victor Osimhen

Arsenal have had a club-record £76million bid for Napoli star Victor Osimhen rejected, in what works as a transfer boost for Manchester United.

The Gunners have been linked with a move to bring Osimhen to the Emirates with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah set to depart in June.

According to Calciomercato, the Partenopei have knocked back the North Londoners’ bid as they hold out for more money.

It has been stated that the Serie A giants will only part ways with the centre-forward should they receive a fee in the region of £93m.

The Italian news outlet has reported that it is possible Arsenal will come back in with a second bid for the Nigeria international

It’s still Ron

New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo is in his plans for next season.

Ronaldo’s future has been uncertain for quite a few months and there were questions as to whether Ten Hag was planning to go forward with him in the squad.

But the Dutch tactician put all the speculation to rest after being asked if he wants the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to stay: “Of course!”

Ten Hag was then asked what Ronaldo brings, to which he responded “goals”

Lampard’s Levi keen

Everton boss Frank Lampard is plotting a move for Chelsea youngster Levi Colwill, reports SunSport’s Alan Nixon.

Lampard hopes his former club will help him out with a loan agreement for Colwill who was a key part of Huddersfield’s push to the play-off final.

The Toffees’ top spies have been keeping tabs on the centre-back, who was briefly under Lamps’ wing at Stamford Bridge.

The 19-year-old is due to go back to the Blues and may be needed for their first-team squad if it is drastically changed next term.

But Everton want to offer him Premier League football after staying up, which gives them a good chance of success

Gunner be busy

Arsenal are preparing for a major transfer overhaul in the summer after drawing up a shortlist with 11 players on it.

The Gunners’ priority is to sign a new centre-forward, with Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus heading the list, according to The Athletic.

The North Londoners are also eyeing Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak, and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen in case they miss out on Jesus.

Arsenal director Edu remains a major admirer of Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez, but a new deal signed earlier this season could make him unattainable at a cost-effective price.

Another Serie A star the club are considering is said to be Sassuolo ace Gianluca Scamacca.

Sparta Prague’s Adam Hlozek and PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo are both being monitored as other potential choices.

They have also moved quickly to sign Marquinhos, with the winger ready to undergo medicals and finalise a deal.

While Arsenal’s striker list is extensive, in midfield their targets are far more narrowed down, with Leicester’s Youri Tielemans and Wolves’ Ruben Neves both wanted

Arms race for Broja

Chelsea loanee Armando Broja is at the centre of a bidding war between Newcastle and West Ham.

Broja impressed with a series of impressive performances at Southampton and has attracted the attention of other clubs before the summer window.

According to Goal, the Hammers and the Magpies are attempting to sign the forward up during the summer.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is believed to be open to the Albania international returning to Stamford Bridge next season.

But the 20-year-old may have options if he wants more first-team football

Jesus loves us

Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus is still open to joining Arsenal despite Mikel Arteta’s men failing to secure Champions League football.

Jesus has been heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates as well as Tottenham, with SunSport understanding the Gunners are in pole position to sign him.

The potential transfer is still on according to Globo Esporte, with the centre-forward prepared to miss out on Europe’s premier competition.

The report adds that the Brazil international’s agents will now meet with City to present offers for the forward with the club hoping to fetch a fee between £42million-£52m.

Meanwhile, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has stated that Arsenal have made signing Jesus their top priority

Darwin Nunez blow

Arsenal and Manchester United have been dealt with a transfer blow amid their reported interest in Benfica star Darwin Nunez.

That is because Real Madrid have joined the bidding war to land Nunez in the summer transfer window.

According to Record, the LaLiga champions have identified the striker as a potential target after they missed out on Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe.

The Uruguay international has stood out this season with a whopping 34 goals and four assists in 41 appearances across all competitions

Aur or nothing

Real Madrid have opened talks with Monaco star Aurelien Tchouameni.

Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea are among the clubs who had been targeting Tchouameni.

Real will be hunting for high-profile summer transfers after being snubbed by Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe.

Reporter Santi Aouna claims Los Blancos have been in contact and ready to make an offer for the midfielder

Smash and Gnab

Real Madrid have joined a host of Premier League clubs in the race to sign Bayern Munich star Serge Gnabry.

According to Sport1, Gnabry is open to departing from the Allianz Arena as he doesn’t feel valued by the Bundesliga champions and Real are interested.

The German is facing an uncertain future at Bayern with his contract set to run out in 2023.

It has been claimed that the winger has turned down a new deal to remain in Bavaria.

A Prem return has been mooted, with former club Arsenal linked with a move to bring him back to the Emirates.

Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United are also all rumoured to be keeping tabs on the Germany international

Your in luck

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly pushing for a move for Leicester star Youri Tielemans.

Tielemans is out of contract at the King Power in 2023 and has been linked with a transfer this summer.

The Gunners are among reported suitors, as are Real Madrid, Tottenham and Manchester United.

Arteta though has urged the North Londoners to table an opening offer of £25million for the 25-year-old, according to the Telegraph.

The Foxes, though, could play hardball despite the dwindling months on the Belgium international’s deal and demand over £30m for his services.

SunSport exclusively revealed it could take as much as £40m to prise the Belgian away

Last Gall for Conor?

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira has refused to rule out a transfer for Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher.

Vieira said of Gallagher, who is set to return to Stamford Bridge after the end of the season: “Conor has been fantastic for us.

“He felt like he is at home the way he has been performing for us. He understands the way that we want to play the game, and he brings his energy and his determination.

“We know that he has to go back to Chelsea. Then, what will happen? We don’t know.

“But what is important is that he came for a year, and he worked hard and worked well, and he gave something to the team and the football club. It was a win-win.

“He was really happy with us. He played really well, which allowed him to go to England. He’s happy, so we are happy”

Jesus addresses future

Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus has opened up about his future amid speculation over a move to Arsenal and Tottenham.

Jesus told ESPN Brazil: “About my future, it’s still uncertain.

“I have a contract with City and I have already expressed my desire to the City people and to my agent. I have in my head [a very clear idea of] what I want.

“Today, I want to celebrate a lot with City. It’s obvious that I’m very happy here.

“Tomorrow, if everything goes well for me, my wife and our family, [daughter] Helena will come to the world.

“So, I have to take advantage of this moment. Then, think about the team, smile at the team again. And, on vacation, I [will] decide about my future”

West Ham target Lingard

West Ham are trying to re-sign outgoing Manchester United ace Jesse Lingard.

That is according to Sky Sports, who report that United have made “initial enquiries” with Lingard’ representatives.

The versatile midfielder is set to become a free agent in June following a hapless season with the Red Devils.

The Hammers have been wanting the England international back ever since a stunning loan stint last term

Mbappe’s Real support

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe revealed he will be supporting Real Madrid in the Champions League Final against Liverpool.

Mbappe snubbed a move to Real after signing a lucrative new contract with PSG.

The star striker said: “I’ll be Real Madrid’s first supporter for UCL final in Paris, my house.

“I’d like to thank Real and Florentino Perez. I understand their disappointment.

“I understand honour and privilege to be wanted by an institution such as Real Madrid”

Mbappe on Real Madrid snub

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe explained why he turned Real Madrid down.

Mbappe said: “Everybody knows I wanted to leave last year, and I was convinced that would be the best decision at the time. The years pass but they are different, and the context is different now. That goes for sporting terms, and also, personally.

“I was free to make a decision and I know how important that is here in France. It is the country where I have grown up, I have always lived here, and leaving my country wasn’t the right thing.

“There is a sentimental aspect to this. It is my country. The sporting project has changed as well. That made me want to stay here because I don’t think my story is over yet. That goes for collectively and individually”

Bellingham issues transfer blow

Chelsea and Manchester United have been dealt a major transfer blow in their bid to sign Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham after he stated he is staying in Germany.

Bellingham has been linked with the Blues as well as United ahead of the summer transfer window.

Speaking to Ruhr Nachrichten BVB, Bellingham said: “The only future I think about is the next game for Dortmund.

“I look forward to next season. I look forward to it finally starting. But yes, I will be here next season and I will be ready.”

England squad announced

Here’s the England squad for the upcoming Nations League games.

Gareth Southgate has handed first call-ups to Jarrod Bowen and James Justin in his 27-man England squad for the upcoming Nations League matches.

The Three Lions face Hungary twice in June, while they also battle Italy and Germany in Group A3.

Ten Hag warning to rivals

New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag warned rivals Liverpool and Manchester City he is coming for them.

Ten Hag said: “In this moment, I admire them both, Manchester City and Liverpool. They both play really fantastic football, both Liverpool and Man City.

“But you will always see an era can come to an end and I am looking forward to battling with them.

“I’m really looking forward to doing this job at this club with massive history. And we want to restore it to where it belongs”.

Tuchel tells of a five club race

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed the five teams he believes will be fighting it out for the Premier League title next season – and it includes his own club but not Arsenal.

Tuchel said: “It will be a super tough race. Manchester United will be in the race, Tottenham will be in the race with Antonio Conte for sure, and we want to stay in the race.

“And Liverpool and Man City will do everything to even make their squads bigger.

“They set the standard so, so high and it will take the same to be competitive next season.

“While like everybody else tries to close the gap to us…the two top teams are what they are, a benchmark of consistency.

“That’s the situation and from there on we do our very best to be competitive because this is what we want to be”

Haaland in town

Erling Haaland has landed in Manchester as he prepares to meet his new City team-mates.

The 21 year-old was spotted taking a taxi from the airport as he embarks on a new chapter in his prolific goalscoring career, writes John Hutchinson.

Earlier, Haaland was spotted flying out of Barcelona Airport on his way to the UK.

The striker has recently completed a £51million bargain move from Borussia Dortmund to the Premier League champions.

City met his release clause that was due to expire this summer.

Tchouameni says goodbye

On reports that Aurelien Tchouameni will join Real Madrid, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano adds that Tchouameni has already said goodbye to pals at Monaco.

Romano tweeeted: “Aurelien Tchouameni has already communicated to his teammates the intention to join Real Madrid, as per @JulienMaynard.

“He dreams of Real.”

Aurelien Tchou join Madrid

RMCsport suggest that Aurelien Tchouameni will join Real Madrid on 5-year contract, the transfer costing the Spanish champions around £60million.

 Arsenal and Manchester United had emerged as some of the frontrunners.

But the midfielder – likened to Paul Pogba in style – seems to have decided on the Spanish capital.

The talented Tchouameni has been wowing scouts all over Europe with his performances for Monaco.

His ability was underlined earlier this month when he netted two stunning goals in a win against Lille.

Jesus loves you

Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus is still open to joining Arsenal despite Mikel Arteta’s men failing to secure Champions League football.

Jesus has been heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates as well as Tottenham, with SunSport understanding the Gunners are in pole position to sign him.

The potential transfer is still on according to Globo Esporte, with the centre-forward prepared to miss out on Europe’s premier competition.

The report adds that the Brazil international’s agents will now meet with City to present offers for the forward with the club hoping to fetch a fee between £42million-£52m.

Meanwhile, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has stated that Arsenal have made signing Jesus their top priority

Arms race for Broja

Chelsea loanee Armando Broja is at the centre of a bidding war between Newcastle and West Ham.

Broja impressed with a series of impressive performances at Southampton and has attracted the attention of other clubs before the summer window.

According to Goal, the Hammers and the Magpies are attempting to sign the forward up during the summer.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is believed to be open to the Albania international returning to Stamford Bridge next season.

But the 20-year-old may have options if he wants more first-team football

Xav some of that

Chelsea have been handed a transfer boost as Barcelona manager Xavi admitted Ousmane Dembele may have played his last game for the club.

Dembele has also recently been linked with Manchester United and Arsenal.

According to Get Football News Spain, the Spanish tactician said: “It could be his last game, but it could also be the last game for others.

“I like him and he can help us in the future. It depends on the negotiations”

Net Victor Osimhen

Arsenal have had a club-record £76million bid for Napoli star Victor Osimhen rejected, in what works as a transfer boost for Manchester United.

The Gunners have been linked with a move to bring Osimhen to the Emirates with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah set to depart in June.

According to Calciomercato, the Partenopei have knocked back the North Londoners’ bid as they hold out for more money.

It has been stated that the Serie A giants will only part ways with the centre-forward should they receive a fee in the region of £93m.

The Italian news outlet has reported that it is possible Arsenal will come back in with a second bid for the Nigeria international

It’s still Ron

New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo is in his plans for next season.

Ronaldo’s future has been uncertain for quite a few months and there were questions as to whether Ten Hag was planning to go forward with him in the squad.

But the Dutch tactician put all the speculation to rest after being asked if he wants the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to stay: “Of course!”

Ten Hag was then asked what Ronaldo brings, to which he responded “goals”

Lampard’s Levi keen

Everton boss Frank Lampard is plotting a move for Chelsea youngster Levi Colwill, reports SunSport’s Alan Nixon.

Lampard hopes his former club will help him out with a loan agreement for Colwill who was a key part of Huddersfield’s push to the play-off final.

The Toffees’ top spies have been keeping tabs on the centre-back, who was briefly under Lamps’ wing at Stamford Bridge.

The 19-year-old is due to go back to the Blues and may be needed for their first-team squad if it is drastically changed next term.

But Everton want to offer him Premier League football after staying up, which gives them a good chance of success

Gunner be busy

Arsenal are preparing for a major transfer overhaul in the summer after drawing up a shortlist with 11 players on it.

The Gunners’ priority is to sign a new centre-forward, with Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus heading the list, according to The Athletic.

The North Londoners are also eyeing Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak, and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen in case they miss out on Jesus.

Arsenal director Edu remains a major admirer of Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez, but a new deal signed earlier this season could make him unattainable at a cost-effective price.

Another Serie A star the club are considering is said to be Sassuolo ace Gianluca Scamacca.

Sparta Prague’s Adam Hlozek and PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo are both being monitored as other potential choices.

They have also moved quickly to sign Marquinhos, with the winger ready to undergo medicals and finalise a deal.

While Arsenal’s striker list is extensive, in midfield their targets are far more narrowed down, with Leicester’s Youri Tielemans and Wolves’ Ruben Neves both wanted

Arms race for Broja

Chelsea loanee Armando Broja is at the centre of a bidding war between Newcastle and West Ham.

Broja impressed with a series of impressive performances at Southampton and has attracted the attention of other clubs before the summer window.

According to Goal, the Hammers and the Magpies are attempting to sign the forward up during the summer.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is believed to be open to the Albania international returning to Stamford Bridge next season.

But the 20-year-old may have options if he wants more first-team football

Jesus loves us

Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus is still open to joining Arsenal despite Mikel Arteta’s men failing to secure Champions League football.

Jesus has been heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates as well as Tottenham, with SunSport understanding the Gunners are in pole position to sign him.

The potential transfer is still on according to Globo Esporte, with the centre-forward prepared to miss out on Europe’s premier competition.

The report adds that the Brazil international’s agents will now meet with City to present offers for the forward with the club hoping to fetch a fee between £42million-£52m.

Meanwhile, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has stated that Arsenal have made signing Jesus their top priority

Darwin Nunez blow

Arsenal and Manchester United have been dealt with a transfer blow amid their reported interest in Benfica star Darwin Nunez.

That is because Real Madrid have joined the bidding war to land Nunez in the summer transfer window.

According to Record, the LaLiga champions have identified the striker as a potential target after they missed out on Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe.

The Uruguay international has stood out this season with a whopping 34 goals and four assists in 41 appearances across all competitions

Aur or nothing

Real Madrid have opened talks with Monaco star Aurelien Tchouameni.

Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea are among the clubs who had been targeting Tchouameni.

Real will be hunting for high-profile summer transfers after being snubbed by Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe.

Reporter Santi Aouna claims Los Blancos have been in contact and ready to make an offer for the midfielder

Smash and Gnab

Real Madrid have joined a host of Premier League clubs in the race to sign Bayern Munich star Serge Gnabry.

According to Sport1, Gnabry is open to departing from the Allianz Arena as he doesn’t feel valued by the Bundesliga champions and Real are interested.

The German is facing an uncertain future at Bayern with his contract set to run out in 2023.

It has been claimed that the winger has turned down a new deal to remain in Bavaria.

A Prem return has been mooted, with former club Arsenal linked with a move to bring him back to the Emirates.

Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United are also all rumoured to be keeping tabs on the Germany international

Your in luck

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly pushing for a move for Leicester star Youri Tielemans.

Tielemans is out of contract at the King Power in 2023 and has been linked with a transfer this summer.

The Gunners are among reported suitors, as are Real Madrid, Tottenham and Manchester United.

Arteta though has urged the North Londoners to table an opening offer of £25million for the 25-year-old, according to the Telegraph.

The Foxes, though, could play hardball despite the dwindling months on the Belgium international’s deal and demand over £30m for his services.

SunSport exclusively revealed it could take as much as £40m to prise the Belgian away

Last Gall for Conor?

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira has refused to rule out a transfer for Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher.

Vieira said of Gallagher, who is set to return to Stamford Bridge after the end of the season: “Conor has been fantastic for us.

“He felt like he is at home the way he has been performing for us. He understands the way that we want to play the game, and he brings his energy and his determination.

“We know that he has to go back to Chelsea. Then, what will happen? We don’t know.

“But what is important is that he came for a year, and he worked hard and worked well, and he gave something to the team and the football club. It was a win-win.

“He was really happy with us. He played really well, which allowed him to go to England. He’s happy, so we are happy”

Jesus addresses future

Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus has opened up about his future amid speculation over a move to Arsenal and Tottenham.

Jesus told ESPN Brazil: “About my future, it’s still uncertain.

“I have a contract with City and I have already expressed my desire to the City people and to my agent. I have in my head [a very clear idea of] what I want.

“Today, I want to celebrate a lot with City. It’s obvious that I’m very happy here.

“Tomorrow, if everything goes well for me, my wife and our family, [daughter] Helena will come to the world.

“So, I have to take advantage of this moment. Then, think about the team, smile at the team again. And, on vacation, I [will] decide about my future”

West Ham target Lingard

West Ham are trying to re-sign outgoing Manchester United ace Jesse Lingard.

That is according to Sky Sports, who report that United have made “initial enquiries” with Lingard’ representatives.

The versatile midfielder is set to become a free agent in June following a hapless season with the Red Devils.

The Hammers have been wanting the England international back ever since a stunning loan stint last term

Mbappe’s Real support

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe revealed he will be supporting Real Madrid in the Champions League Final against Liverpool.

Mbappe snubbed a move to Real after signing a lucrative new contract with PSG.

The star striker said: “I’ll be Real Madrid’s first supporter for UCL final in Paris, my house.

“I’d like to thank Real and Florentino Perez. I understand their disappointment.

“I understand honour and privilege to be wanted by an institution such as Real Madrid”

Mbappe on Real Madrid snub

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe explained why he turned Real Madrid down.

Mbappe said: “Everybody knows I wanted to leave last year, and I was convinced that would be the best decision at the time. The years pass but they are different, and the context is different now. That goes for sporting terms, and also, personally.

“I was free to make a decision and I know how important that is here in France. It is the country where I have grown up, I have always lived here, and leaving my country wasn’t the right thing.

“There is a sentimental aspect to this. It is my country. The sporting project has changed as well. That made me want to stay here because I don’t think my story is over yet. That goes for collectively and individually”

Bellingham issues transfer blow

Chelsea and Manchester United have been dealt a major transfer blow in their bid to sign Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham after he stated he is staying in Germany.

Bellingham has been linked with the Blues as well as United ahead of the summer transfer window.

Speaking to Ruhr Nachrichten BVB, Bellingham said: “The only future I think about is the next game for Dortmund.

“I look forward to next season. I look forward to it finally starting. But yes, I will be here next season and I will be ready.”