🚨 Kylian Mbappe's decision explained, Xabi Alonso not the only name on Liverpool list, Arsenal links with striker, Man Utd director latest, and more
Today's round-up, featuring Arsenal, Man Utd, Liverpool and much more!
Good morning everyone and welcome to the latest edition of the Daily Briefing - your essential round-up of football headlines delivered ad-free and straight to your inbox. Thanks for reading and enjoy! :-)
Today’s top stories:
Why Kylian Mbappe decided to quit PSG - and who could replace him
Fabrizio Romano discusses the next Liverpool manager on The Debrief
Plus more from Man Utd, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid
AC Milan
This AC Milan star is keen on a new experience, according to Matteo Moretto in his exclusive column.
Arsenal
Arsenal have a good relationship with Joshua Zirkzee’s agents, but how significant could this be?
Some strong words from former Arsenal star Hector Bellerin in this fascinating interview…
Atalanta
Barcelona
Bayern Munich
Zinedine Zidane has been linked with the Bayern job, but what’s the truth?
Here’s another VERY surprising name linked with the Bayern job…
What’s the latest on Alphonso Davies’ future? Matteo Moretto has the details in his exclusive column here.
Chelsea
Crystal Palace
What a goal this was as Jordan Ayew opened the scoring for Palace against Everton! FT Everton 1-1 Crystal Palace [Pictures from Sky Sports]
Oliver Glasner is the new Crystal Palace head coach as his contract’s already signed and completed. Glasner will be in attendance for the game tonight and he will be ready for his first training session on Tuesday, as expected.
Steve Parish on Glasner: “He has an outstanding record, he is the right manager to take the club forward at this pivotal stage.”
Roy Hodgson after it was officially announced he’d stepped down: “This club is very special and means so much to me. I have fully enjoyed my time here... but given recent circumstances, it may be prudent at this time for the club to plan ahead.”
Everton
Amadou Onana rose the highest to head in this important equaliser for Everton against Crystal Palace. FT Everton 1-1 Crystal Palace [Pictures from Sky Sports]
Juventus
Dutch talented defender Ruud Nijstad (16) has made a visit to Juventus training structures today. Juventus are keen on signing Nijstad to replicate a deal similar to the one for Dean Huijsen. Positive impact for Nijstad at Juventus, now it’s up to the player.
Fabrizio Romano also has the latest on Juve’s plans for Dean Huijsen here.
Liverpool
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola: “Rodri is the best midfielder in the world right now. He’s unbelievable, he’s really able to do everything...What a signing for Man City! Remember: what we’ve done, without him... it would’ve been difficult.”
Pep Guardiola on overweight comments about Kalvin Phillips: “I’m sorry...Once in eight years is not bad, but I’m so sorry. I apologised to him, I do apologise, I’m so sorry.”
Manchester United
Manchester United will make formal proposal to Newcastle soon as they will try to negotiate compensation to have Dan Ashworth right now. It won’t be easy but talks will take place. It’s over between Ashworth and Newcastle after he said yes to the Man Utd project last week - more from Fabrizio Romano here.
MLS side Minnesota United have approached Manchester United staff coach Eric Ramsay to be their new head coach. He’s their top target as new manager as talks are ongoing, progressing well. Ramsay, 31, would be the youngest head coach in MLS history.
Erik ten Hag on INEOS project with new directors joining Man United: “I know what's going on and for Man United it’s very good. It’s highly ambitious, they are all good people coming in. We are the project and they can help us and support us to accelerate this project.”
Marseille
Jean-Louis Gasset’s contract at Marseille will be valid until June - the end of this season. It’s a short term deal as expected, documents are being prepared/reviewed. He replaces Gennaro Gattuso, who has been sacked after internal discussions yesterday morning.
Napoli
Francesco Calzona has just signed his contract as new Napoli head coach until the end of the season. Calzona will remain in charge also as Slovakia national team head coach. A deal has been signed 48 hours before the Champions League game vs Barcelona, and his first training session will take place today.
More on Napoli’s new manager and how the deal came about in Matteo Moretto’s exclusive column here.
Newcastle United
Manchester United will make formal proposal to Newcastle soon as they will try to negotiate compensation to have Dan Ashworth right now. It won’t be easy but talks will take place. It’s over between Ashworth and Newcastle after he said yes to the Man Utd project last week - more info from Fabrizio Romano’s column here.
Newcastle confirm Dan Ashworth has now commenced a period of gardening leave. CEO Darren Eales said: “Our exciting journey doesn't stop and the process to recruit a new director will begin immediately.”
📰 Paul Mitchell could be among the candidates to replace Dan Ashworth at Newcastle (i Sport)
New York City FC
New York City FC have signed talented Serbian striker Jovan Mijatovic from Red Star Belgrade. One more for City Group as MLS side invest €10m fee plus 15% sell-on clause for Mijatovic, signing a four-year contract.
PSG
Why Kylian Mbappe finally decided to leave PSG, and when he made his decision - all details here in Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive column.
Real Betis
Real Betis have confirmed Manu Fajardo as sporting director to replace Ramon Planes who signed for Al Ittihad.
Hector Bellerin has spoken honestly as ever in this must-read interview…
Real Madrid
Throwback to when Kylian Mbappe scored this stunning solo goal against Real Madrid. FT PSG 1-0 Real Madrid [Pictures from TNT Sports]
Why Kylian Mbappe finally decided to leave PSG, and when he made his decision - all details here in Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive column.
Sunderland
Michael Beale has parted ways with Sunderland as a decision has been made. It’s over.
West Brom
Yann M’Vila has just signed as a new West Bromwich player, having been available as a free agent. The former Sunderland midfielder has signed a contract a valid until the end of the season.
West Ham United
📰 West Ham are considering Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter as candidates to replace David Moyes (Daily Mail)
Wolves
Bad news again for Wolves striker Sasa Kalajdzic (now on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt). Kalajdzic has ruptured his ACL again — it means three ACL tears in five years, since 2019.