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Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Juventus join Jadon Sancho transfer race with Old Lady aiming to beat Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce to Man Utd flop
Sancho could link up with some familiar faces in Italy DON SANCHO Juventus join Jadon Sancho transfer race with Old Lady aiming to beat Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce to Man Utd flop Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JUVENTUS are looking to edge out Fenerbahce in the race for Jadon Sancho's signature. Manchester United are keen to offload the out-of-favour England winger. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Juventus are looking to beat Fenerbahce to Man Utd's ex-Chelsea loanee Jadon Sancho Credit: Getty Turkish giants Fenerbahce — managed by ex-United boss Jose Mourinho — were hopeful of a cut-price £15million move. However Juventus are now aiming to hold talks with Sancho's camp. Napoli have also shown interest and United hope it might create an auction for a player who is surplus to requirements. Sancho, 25, returned to United last month when Chelsea chose to pay a £5m penalty clause at the end of his loan agreement rather than the £25m to make the deal permanent. It was the latest set-back for the former Borussia Dortmund winger who has struggled since making a £73m move to Old Trafford in 2021. Sancho had an underwhelming loan spell in west London, scoring just five goals in 42 outings. But one of those strikes came in Chelsea's Conference League final win over Real Betis. And Sancho also managed to help himself to 10 assists under Enzo Maresca. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS A move to Juventus would see Sancho link up with fellow Englishman Lloyd Kelly. The centre-back moved to Turin from Newcastle in January. Jadon Sancho shares his Chelsea highlights reel as he says goodbye to fans ahead of Man Utd return 2 And he has been a regular under boss Igor Tudor, who replaced Thiago Motta in March. Potential teammates also include ex-Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz and former Leeds loanee Winston McKennie. While he could be joined at Juve by fellow Chelsea misfit Nicolas Jackson, whose place has come under threat from Liam Delap.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Juventus join Jadon Sancho transfer race with Old Lady aiming to beat Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce to Man Utd flop
JUVENTUS are looking to edge out Fenerbahce in the race for Jadon Sancho's signature. Advertisement 2 Juventus are looking to beat Fenerbahce to Man Utd's ex-Chelsea loanee Jadon Sancho Credit: Getty Turkish giants Fenerbahce — managed by ex-United boss Jose Mourinho — were However Juventus are now aiming to hold talks with Napoli have also shown interest and United hope it might create an auction for a player who is surplus to requirements. Sancho, 25, returned to United last month when Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL It was the latest set-back for the former Borussia Dortmund winger who has struggled since making a £73m move to Old Trafford in 2021. Sancho had an underwhelming loan spell in west London, scoring just five goals in 42 outings. But one of those strikes came in Chelsea's Conference League final win over Real Betis. And Sancho also managed to help himself to 10 assists under Enzo Maresca. Advertisement Most read in Football BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS A move to Juventus would see Sancho link up with fellow Englishman Lloyd Kelly. The centre-back moved to Turin from Newcastle in January. Jadon Sancho shares his Chelsea highlights reel as he says goodbye to fans ahead of Man Utd return 2 Advertisement And he has been a regular under boss Igor Tudor, who replaced Thiago Motta in March. Potential teammates also include ex-Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz and former Leeds loanee Winston McKennie. While he could be joined at Juve by fellow Chelsea misfit Nicolas Jackson, whose place has come under threat from Liam Delap.
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Preview: Understrength Ireland eye Colorado upset against the USA
USA v Republic of Ireland, Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, Colorado, 7pm local time), 2am Irish time, (Live on the RTÉ Player) It's a summer jaunt to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains for the Repulic of Ireland, who take on the world No 1-ranked USA in the first of two friendlies tonight. Carla Ward's squad have been training 1.1 miles above sea level since Sunday. The heat is tough; but that altitude is a real killer. Ward admitted that just strolling to get a coffee took a toll on her, so we can assume she'll fully utilise her bench throughout tonight's clash at the 18,000-capacity Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Given the players she's missing, Ward options look pretty thin. Katie McCabe, Aoife Mannion, Heather Payne, Jamie Finn, Lily Agg, Jess Ziu and Leanne Kiernan didn't travel. On Wednesday, it was confirmed Denise O'Sullivan and Megan Campbell are both out after picking up knocks. Trying to further develop Ward's preferred expansive style against such a strong outfit, minus her best players, all while avoiding a morale-damaging hammering, is going to be tricky. There's a real air of familiarity around the 16th meeting of these sides. Ward worked with the USA under her good friend Emma Hayes during last year's Paris Games, and frequently turns to the ex-Chelsea manager for advice. Hayes has rested all of her European-based players for these friendlies with the exception of Naoimi Girma, who became the world's first million-dollar female footballer last January when she moved from San Diego Wave to Chelsea. Four Americans have been called up for the first time (Lilly Reale, Jordyn Bugg, Izzy Rodriguez and Sam Meza) with the squad averaging just over 18 caps. The average age of the panel is 24.5. That makes these clashes slightly less daunting, but make no mistake, the USA are laced with serious quality. And they're not all rookies either. World Cup winner and Olympic champion Rose Lavelle is included. The Gotham FC midfielder, who has 110 caps and 24 international goals under her belt, is back in the fold after recovering from ankle surgery. Seattle Reign's Lynn Biyendolo (80), Gotham defender Emily Sonnett (108), Sam Coffey (35) of the Portland Thorns and Girma (46) have a further 269 caps between them. They'll provide the spine, with the fresher faces hungry as hell to impress as they aim to force their way into Hayes' longer-term plans for the 2027 World Cup. The USA have beaten Ireland 15 times out of 15, most recently in April 2023 when they prevailed 1-0 in Missouri. The Girls in Green have conceded 51 times across those clashes and only scored once, so this was always going to be difficult, even with a full-strength team. Therefore Ward is prioritising performances over results. Chloe Mustaki has been in the last couple of squads but is still waiting to get some minutes under Ward. The Bristol City full-back will expect to get a shot here, as will Erin Healy, the San Diego-born Adelaide United attacker. She was in the fold for the Turkey and Slovenia games earlier this month but has yet to make her debut. Ward has promised she'll feature in some capacity. Ellen Molloy has been in fine form for Wexford, while Izzy Atkinson will hope to reward Ward's show of faith in her if she gets called upon. Atkinson is currently without a club after being released by Crystal Palace. It could be a special evening too for goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan, in line to win her 50th Ireland cap. She might wear the armband in the absence of McCabe and O'Sullivan. Assistant coach Amber Whiteley has travelled and is still waiting to hear if she's got the Liverpool job on a permanent basis. Ward has further bolstered her backroom team by temporarily bringing in ex-Manchester United No 2 Charlotte Healy, who was named Bristol City boss on Tuesday. There's loads of links here that will make this a friendly in every sense of the word. O'Sullivan (NC Courage) and Kyra Carusa (San Diego Wave) ply their trade in the NWSL; five of the squad were born in America (Brosnan, Chloe Mustaki, Marissa Sheva, Carusa and Healy); while 11 of them played college football in the States. There'll be plenty of high fives and warm embraces afterwards, but this is an important assignment for Ireland given it's Ward's last chance to really get a look at the wider squad before October's Nations League promotion/relegation play-off against Belgium. Ireland came away with two respectable defeats when Vera Pauw brought them here last time, but in truth they clung to the ropes and tried to frustrate their vaunted opponents for as long as possible. Ward needs more than that in Denver, and again on Sunday when they square up in Cincinnati. She's committed to implementing a possession-based style so there's no point in scrunching that blueprint up and tossing it aside just because the level of opposition is higher. Then again, considering the players she's missing, it might be wise to batten down the hatches, at least for the first hour. It could be a long 90 minutes for the visitors in the Mile High City if they ship an early goal. They'll need courage, resilience and the rub of the green to keep this competitive and head for Cincinnati in good spirits. Republic of Ireland squad Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Unattached), Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic) Defenders: Jessie Stapleton (West Ham United), Anna Patten (Aston Villa), Caitlin Hayes (Brighton & Hove Albion), Hayley Nolan (Crystal Palace), Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City), Megan Campbell (Unattached) Midfielders: Denise O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Lazio), Tyler Toland (Blackburn Rovers), Ruesha Littlejohn (Shamrock Rovers), Marissa Sheva (Sunderland), Ellen Molloy (Wexford)
Irish Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Damien Duff's private family life as ex-Ireland star quits Shelbourne
Damien Duff stunned Shelbourne by quitting as manager of the Drumcondra club on Sunday - one day before the club travel to Waterford for a League of Ireland Premier Division clash. Shels released a statement confirming the Republic of Ireland legend's shock departure as they announced his assistant Joey O'Brien will take charge of the Waterford clash. It read: 'Shelbourne FC regretfully wishes to announce the departure of Damien Duff as first team manager. 'Damien informed the club this morning that, after much thought, he has made the decision to resign. He shared the news with the players earlier today. 'While all at Shelbourne FC are deeply saddened by Damien's decision, we fully respect that he feels this is the right choice for him at this time. 'During his four extraordinary years at Tolka Park, Damien transformed Shelbourne Football Club both on and off the pitch. 'Appointed in November 2021, he took over a newly promoted side and rebuilt it from the ground up. Duff guided Shels to a seventh-place finish and a first FAI Cup Final appearance since 2011 in that debut season. The following year, in 2023, a fourth-place finish brought the Reds back to European competition for the first time in 18 years. 'In 2024, Duff led the Reds to one of the greatest triumphs in the club's 130-year history, clinching the League of Ireland Premier Division title, our first since 2006. On the final day we went to Derry, where a 1-0 win at the Brandywell secured the title in dramatic fashion, marking Shels return to the summit of Irish football. 'The club wishes Damien and his family every happiness and success in the future. His impact on Shelbourne FC was transformational. He will always be one of our own, and we are eternally grateful for the indelible mark he has left on our club. 'Joey O'Brien and the coaching staff will take charge for tomorrow's trip to the RSC to face Waterford and will prepare the team for Friday's away fixture against Galway United. 'Neil Doyle, Shelbourne FC co-owner, speaking on behalf of the board, said: 'There are no words that do justice to Damien's accomplishments at Shelbourne FC and what he has done for both the club and the League of Ireland. We look back with immense pride on his time here. As a club, we move forward with confidence, knowing that the foundations we have jointly built will underpin our continued success. Thank you, Damien, for everything.' Duff tends to keep his private life private. But here's what we know about it: The ex-Chelsea ace married his long-term love, Elaine, in 2010. Their wedding was a cosy affair at Babington House in Somerset, UK, attended by close friends and family. The couple have two children together, Woody and Darcy. Duff's son was born with a congenital heart condition, and when the former Ireland star signed for Shamrock Rovers, he pledged his entire salary to be divided between Temple Street and Children's Heart Ireland. The family reside in Wicklow. Duff earned 100 caps for Ireland. His last appearance was in Ireland's final Euro 2012 match against Italy, and he retired from international football shortly after. The skilful winger began his career at Blackburn Rovers before transferring to Chelsea. He had stints at Newcastle and Fulham before ending his career at Melbourne City and Shamrock Rovers.
Metro
6 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
Chelsea set Nicolas Jackson asking price as Premier League club enter race
Chelsea have set a steep asking price for Nicolas Jackson after a Premier League club entered the race to secure his signature. Jackson enjoyed a relatively promising first season at Stamford Bridge following a £32m move from Villarreal in 2023, scoring 17 goals in all competitions. But the Senegal international went backwards last season, only scoring one Premier League goal in the second-half of the campaign. Wastefulness in front of goal has not been his own problem, either, with Jackson seeing red in two of his last five appearances, including in Chelsea's Club World Cup defeat to Flamengo. Jackson started that game from the bench as Enzo Maresca handed new signing Liam Delap his first Chelsea start since his £30m move from Ipswich Town. 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. It was recently suggested by ex-Chelsea star John Obi Mikel that Jackson would remain Maresca's first-choice striker next season ahead of Delap, who scored more goals than his new teammate for a team that were relegated from the Premier League. But Chelsea have seemingly already decided to put their faith in Delap and are therefore open to offers for Jackson. On Saturday, it was reported that Juventus had opened talks with Chelsea to discuss a deal for the 24-year-old. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says an unnamed Premier League club are also showing interest in Jackson, who Chelsea value at between €55-60m. Given Chelsea's steep asking price of around £50m, Juventus are ready to turn to other targets unless the Blues shown a willingness to lower their demands. 'I think Nicolas Jackson has definitely been disrespected. I think he's the focal point and a real presence up there. 'He occupies the centre-halves and takes them back to create space for the likes of Cole Palmer to come into. 'Palmer, in particular, profited off the space that Jackson created him. Enzo [Fernandez] as well. I think Enzo is a better No. 10 than a No.8 and when he gets forward he's a real goal threat. 'But they need someone who is going to lead the line and occupy the centre-halves and create that space for them. 'He's been a huge miss. He's not a prolific goalscorer but he's certainly a threat and they can't replace him. 'They've got nobody like him to come in – they've tried it with [Christopher] Nkunku or playing with Pedro Neto as a false nine but it's not worked. 'Sometimes as a manager you have to find a different way. I just think they're a bit to predictable on the ball, playing sideways and backwards, but perhaps there isn't the options forward when the midfield players look up. 'Jackson would normally be stretching the opposition in behind or they could play longer into his chest and have him hold the ball up. They haven't had that in his absence so he's been a huge miss.' Ex-Premier League manager Tim Sherwood speaking to Metro After being sent off in Chelsea's second Club World Cup fixture, Flamengo boss Filipe Luis backed Jackson to develop into one of the best strikers in the world. When asked about Jackson's red card, Filipe Luis said: 'First of all, I love Chelsea. 'I spent one really happy season there, we won the Premier League and the League Cup and I made special friends and played with the best players in the world for a season, and I was really happy there. More Trending 'So I know how the club is special and how the club needs to win titles because of the pressure inside the club, it happens. 'But he [Jackson] is so good, he's young, he has all the potential and quality the club needs. 'For sure, he will surpass this little mistake. I think it was clear, I just saw it in front of me, I haven't seen it on the TV yet, but for me it was a red. 'But it is just a small detail for a player who is a big player, he can be one of the biggest strikers in the world.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Napoli respond to transfer offer for Scott McTominay after dream debut season MORE: £50m star told to reject Chelsea transfer and join Manchester United MORE: Arsenal set asking price as Bayern Munich consider Gabriel Martinelli transfer
