Former Tottenham defender Vertonghen to retire
"Not only towards the fans and my fellow players, but also towards myself. That is why I will be stopping after this season."Vertonghen joined Spurs from Ajax, where he won the Eredivisie and Dutch Cup twice, and after leaving north London he won the Portuguese league with Benfica.
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Metro
8 minutes ago
- Metro
Lewis-Skelly's priceless reaction as Arsenal close in on Gyokeres transfer
Myles Lewis-Skelly couldn't hide his excitement as news spread that Arsenal had made a major breakthrough in their attempts to capture Viktor Gyokeres this evening. Speculation surrounding Gyokeres' future has dominated the backpages across this summer's transfer window, with Arsenal and Manchester United in a two-way race to bring the prolific Swede to the Premier League. Having already brought in Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga, Arsenal appeared to be making significant progress in their efforts to land Gyokeres, their primary attacking target. After agreeing personal terms with Gyokeres' camp, a deal worth €63.5million (£54.8m) – plus €10m (£8.6m) in add-ons – was reportedly struck with Sporting for the 27-year-old forward. The Portuguese champions, though, have refused to be bullied into an agreement for Gyokeres and have been standing firm over the details of add-on payments – which left the proposed move on the verge of collapse. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. However, The Athletic now report that a resolution is close to being found and talks are at an advanced stage, with the two clubs expected to shake hands on a total agreement 'imminently'. It's claimed the north London giants are increasingly confident of getting their man and have been putting the finishing touches on a contract for the Sporting sensation, which is set to run through to June 2030. Given Arsenal fans have been crying out for an out-and-out No.9 and goalscorer, it's fair to say the latest reports surrounding Gyokeres have got some supporters a little excited on social media. Some, perhaps prematurely, have been sending welcome messages to Gyokeres, while others have begun practicing the striker's trademark celebration in preparation for his arrival at the Emirates. Among those was Arsenal youngster Lewis-Skelly, who was filmed performing the two-hands-over-the-mouth gesture while proudly holding up Fabrizio Romano's 'HERE WE GO!' Instagram post (below) on his phone. It's understood Gyokeres is keen to undergo the relevant medical tests as quickly as possible in order to play a role for Arsenal on the club's pre-season tour of Asia. Facing the media after touching down in Singapore, Mikel Arteta remained tight-lipped over Gyokeres, insisting he still had nothing 'concrete' to offer. Asked how close Arsenal were to signing Gyokeres, Arteta told reporters: 'You know I cannot comment on any player that is not part of our group yet. 'When we have something concrete to offer in any case, to any player, we will do that.' Arteta did, though, confirm that the club were working diligently behind the scenes to strengthen areas of the squad that are currently lacking. 'There's still a long time in the window and we are seeking,' the Spaniard added. 'We are short in terms of numbers and we have to improve the depth and the quality of the squad. 'We are constantly looking in the market but we've got to focus on the players that we actually have, work with them and I'm very pleased with what I've seen so far in the first ten to 15 days.' The Arsenal head coach stressed that he was 'very pleased' with the support he had received from sporting director Andrea Berta in this summer's transfer market. 'Ideally, you want it [all transfer business] for day one of pre-season so we've done very, very well so far,' he continued. 'I'm very pleased with the way the club is supporting the necessities and improvements that we required in the team. 'I think Andrea [Berta] and the team are doing an excellent job as well, trying to push everything forwards. 'There's still a long time to go in the window and we have a lot of hopes that we can still improve the team. We're going to continue to try to do that.' Is Gyokeres the missing piece of the puzzle for Arsenal? For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Diogo Jota's wife shares heartbreaking message on one-month anniversary of their wedding MORE: Chelsea drop asking price by £22m for Manchester United to sign Christopher Nkunku MORE: Granit Xhaka's agent speaks out on why he 'only wants' shock Premier League move
Scottish Sun
8 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Rangers vs Panathinaikos LIVE SCORE as Russell Martin names his first ever Ibrox team with THREE new signings starting
Vitoria left in the dark Panathinaikos boss Rui Vitoria has admitted he doesn't know what to expect from Russell Martin's new-look Rangers team - because he's only watched one game. The Portuguese gaffer tuned in to the friendly at Ibrox between Rangers and Club Brugge which finished 2-2. Panathinaikos manager Rui Vitoria But he's confessed it's been a struggle preparing for tonight's big game with very little information on how Martin's team will play. He said: 'Yes it was a challenge for me because we didn't see almost any game. The new coach has new ideas and it's different football than was played here previously. 'They have only played one friendly match against Brugge which was open. The rest were closed so it was very difficult for us to have a lot of information. 'This makes our job and my job as a trainer a bit more difficult. We have tried to find the information we need but we are in the beginning of the season. Details make a difference and we don't know them. 'Maybe their new coach has more information about us than we do about them but we don't worry too much. 'We control what we can control. So what is very important is the attitude and concentration and these things can make all the difference in these games. 'I'm not preoccupied about this but this is a reality. It might be a positive thing but also it could be a disadvantage. 'You cannot know how the course of the game will go. Every game is different and at this stage of the season it's even more difficult. 'Normally I want to know about the other team but I don't cry because of that. I face the opponent and let's fight to the limit and put everything on the pitch.'
Scottish Sun
8 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Rangers vs Panathinaikos: Back our 5/1 Bet Builder and get £50 in free bets with Betfred
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the betting offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. BIG BUILD Rangers vs Panathinaikos: Back our 5/1 Bet Builder and get £50 in free bets with Betfred Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RANGERS host Panathinaikos tonight in the first leg of their Champions League second qualifying round tie. Our team of betting experts have selected a Bet Builder for the massive encounter, which Betfred have priced up at a tasty 5/1. Sign up for the Rangers newsletter Sign up Not just that! New Betfred customers who register an account with Betfred and stake a tenner on football will receive £50 in sports free bets! Find The Sun's betting publishing principles here How to claim.. Betfred welcome offer Visit the Betfred website HERE* Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50 Deposit £10 using a Debit Card Place your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greater Once that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free Bets Betfred: Get your £50 in free bets - Claim here* Rangers vs Panathinaikos tips Our Bet Builder selections for Rangers vs Panathinaikos : Rangers to win, both teams to score and Danilo to score. Back our 5/1 Bet Builder Here's why we're backing that: Rangers to win: There's no getting away from the fact this squad is far from the finished article. European nights at Ibrox have been their saving grace in the last few years and they could do with taking a lead to next week's second leg. Panathinaikos will be a tough test but definitely not insurmountable. There's no getting away from the fact this squad is far from the finished article. European nights at Ibrox have been their saving grace in the last few years and they could do with taking a lead to next week's second leg. Panathinaikos will be a tough test but definitely not insurmountable. Both teams to score: Even with investment this summer, there's plenty of question marks over the Rangers defence and the ongoing Conor Coady saga certainly isn't helping things. Unconvinced a clean sheet is coming their way, against a Greek side who last failed to score away from home at the start of February. Even with investment this summer, there's plenty of question marks over the Rangers defence and the ongoing Conor Coady saga certainly isn't helping things. Unconvinced a clean sheet is coming their way, against a Greek side who last failed to score away from home at the start of February. Danilo to score: Four goals and three assists in last three pre-season games and looks to be capitalising on a fresh opportunity. Should be a no-brainer that he starts up top and can continue his fine form. Back our 5/1 Bet Builder Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chase their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry, or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to *New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply. 10 Places 1/5 Odds. Available until the end of the first round. General Betfred rules apply. Eligibility & exclusions apply.
