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The reasons for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz snubbing Manchester City in favour of a transfer to Liverpool have been revealed.

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• Playmaker ready to leave Leverkusen
• Could replace De Bruyne at the Etihad
• Ready to make move to Merseyside

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 22-year-old Germany international has become one of the hottest properties in world football. He is ready to take on a new challenge in the summer of 2025 after becoming a Bundesliga title winner and gracing the Champions League at Leverkusen.

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  Big-spending sides in the Premier League have been scrambling to put a deal in place for the £126 million-rated ($170m) playmaker. With Kevin De Bruyne leaving City as a free agent, many viewed Wirtz as the perfect replacement in Manchester.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  He is, however, reported to be edging closer to sealing a switch to Anfield. According to , that is because Wirtz has concerns over the long-term future of City boss Pep Guardiola – who has said that he will leave the Etihad Stadium when his contract expires in 2027.

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  TELL ME MORE

  Wirtz wants more stable surroundings as he unlocks further potential in his game, which has led to him leaning towards newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool. Arne Slot is also working on a deal until 2027 there, but is expected to agree an extension if more major silverware makes its way to Merseyside.

One or two Liverpool stars might have had their minds tethered to the Champions League when Anfield got going against Southampton.

Wednesday’s Parc des Princes contest was as gruelling for the players as it was anxiety-inducing for the fans, and it may have taken its toll as the Redmen struggled to get going.

But, like so many times before in 2024/25, Liverpool got the job done, claimed three more points for their haul and extended their lead at the top of the Premier League, to 16 points – albeit having played two games more than Arsenal.

Liverpool's performance vs Southampton

It was a slow and uninspiring start, with Saints, adrift at the bottom of the table, growing in confidence as the Reds retained plenty of possession but did rather little with it.

Arne Slot watched from up high as he served the second and final match of his touchline ban, but the camera picked out his furrowed face as he watched his team struggle.

Ultimately, Liverpool’s quality prevailed, with Darwin Nunez poking home after good work from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah converting two penalties to move Slot’s side one step closer to the title.

While Nunez and Diaz needed to make an impact after respective recent lulls, Salah just keeps on firing, with his latest brace making it 27 goals and 17 assists from just 29 Premier League fixtures in 2024/25.

He’s a force to be reckoned with and – it goes without saying – undroppable. However, he’s not the only one, with another star really proving his inimitable quality on the pitch.

8/10 Liverpool star is as undroppable as Salah

Salah so often steals the headlines for Liverpool, but this is a team heading toward the Premier League title, into the Carabao Cup final and holding an advantage in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Performance in Numbers

Trent Alexander-Arnold, 26, has long been regarded not just as Liverpool’s most creative player, but one of the most proficient playmakers wearing laces today. But he’s long faced criticism for his defensive ability – unjustly, for the most part.

Against Southampton, both elements of the full-back’s game were neatly showcased, always looking to drive attacking play forward while defending smartly against a Saints side with nothing to lose. Indeed, he racked up 122 touches and completed all four of his attempted dribbles, while winning seven of his nine total duels.

The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle was enamoured with the Three Lions star’s display, handing him an 8/10 rating (the match best) and writing: ‘Denied by Ramsdale first half and probed the Southampton defence throughout with his range of passing. Defensively on point, too, in very fine showing.’

While PSG ran rampant against Liverpool, without ever finding the back of the net, Trent stood firm as Bradley Barcola, Khvicha Kvaratskelia and co targetted him.

Conor Bradley is perhaps a more naturally sound defender, and though there have been calls that he could eventually replace his senior positional peer, Alexander-Arnold has served a reminder in recent weeks that there is no one quite like him.

He’s evolving into quite the complete player. Is it any wonder Real Madrid are so desperate to bring him to the Bernabeu at the end of his contract this summer?

For Liverpool’s part, FSG will fight tooth and nail to tie the vice-captain down for the remainder of his prime. If he keeps playing like this, he’s not only undroppable now but a piece of paramount importance when considering Liverpool’s success over the coming Slot-led years.

Earns more than Alisson: FSG must cash in on "struggling" Liverpool star

Richard Hughes is looking to sign an upgrade this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Mar 7, 2025

After Claudio Ranieri, Stefano Pioli has also rejected the chance to take over as Italy coach in the wake of Lucian Spalletti's sacking.

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• Pioli rejects Italy national team role
• The 59-year-old eyeing a move back to Serie A
• Manager currently mentoring Al-Nassr

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to a report by Gianluca Dimarzio, Italy’s search for a new national team coach after sacking Spalletti is getting tougher, as Pioli has turned down an approach with the intention of taking the hot seat at Serie A outfit Fiorentina instead.

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  The poor football displayed by Italy under the tutelage of Spalletti compelled the Italian football association (FIGC) to fire him. The Azzuri had two favourites to replace the 66-year-old in the form of Ranieri and Pioli. After Ranieri swore commitment to Roma and rejected the double role on offer, Gabriele Gavina, the FIGC president, and other stakeholders turned their sights to the former Milan boss. However, now, Pioli too has rejected them and is all set to join La Viola.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Pioli is contracted with Saudi Pro League heavyweights Al-Nassr until 2027, but is expected to return to Serie A this summer. After joining the Cristiano Ronaldo-led outfit last September, he managed them for 44 games, winning 28, losing nine and drawing seven.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ITALY?

  Italy will have to finalise their new head coach before the next set of World Cup Qualifiers in September, where they will face Estonia and Israel.

Turning their attention towards a bargain deal, Manchester City now reportedly want to sign a former Chelsea gem in a repeat of their previous deal to sign Kevin de Bruyne.

Man City eyeing KDB repeat

It’s no surprise to see the rumours already coming thick and fast surrounding the Blues following the season that they’ve endured. Those at the Etihad have never had such struggles under Pep Guardiola, with injuries alongside poor form combining to create a disastrous campaign and leave the Spaniard’s side in desperate need of a rebuild.

The Premier League already received a glimpse of what that rebuild could look like in the January transfer window when the likes of Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Nico Gonzalez arrived alongside Vitor Reis and Juma Bah. But Manchester City are seemingly not done there. When the summer window swings open, they could be even busier.

Man City battling Man Utd to sign £30m+ "cheat code" who may replace Walker

City have set their sights on a full-back.

By
Dominic Lund

Mar 13, 2025

Names such as Jeremie Frimpong have threatened to steal the headlines in recent days and it’s clear that Guardiola needs a fresh option down his right-hand side following Kyle Walker’s January departure. It could yet be an option far closer to home that the Premier League champions turn towards, however.

According to The Boot Room, Manchester City are now plotting a move to sign Ola Aina from Nottingham Forest with the right-back set to become a free agent at the end of his current contract this summer.

A Chelsea academy graduate who has finally found his best form at Forest, it wouldn’t be the first time that Manchester City signed a former Chelsea man who couldn’t cut it in West London but thrived after leaving, having welcomed De Bruyne all those years ago. Like the Belgian, Aina could yet be destined for greatness under Guardiola.

The City boss got a glimpse of the right-back’s quality for himself last time out when Aina kept Jeremy Doku quiet in an eventual 1-0 victory for Nottingham Forest.

"Underrated" Aina would solve Man City's problem

Whether it’s been Rico Lewis, Walker or Matheus Nunes throughout the current campaign, Manchester City have endured plenty of struggles down their right-hand side – struggles which Aina would solve. The Nottingham Forest star has been a standout in his position this season and as his contract continues to tick down, he could become the bargain of the summer.

Dubbed “underrated” by analyst Ben Mattinson at the end of last season, the Nigerian has only improved even further this time around with Forest gunning for shock Champions League qualification.

One player who would be glad to see Aina become a teammate rather than a rival is Doku, who struggled up against the Forest star last time out – losing nine out of his 11 duels whilst his opposition was dribbled past just once in an impressive display.

Tottenham have announced that they have parted company with Ange Postecoglou, despite their Europa League triumph.

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• Postecoglou ended 17-year trophy drought
• Guided Spurs to 17th-placed finish
• Sacked by chairman Daniel Levy

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per BBC Sport, Spurs have sacked manager Postecoglou, with the club's performance in the Premier League clearly deemed as the deciding factor in his future. The Australian guided the club to Europa League glory, their first trophy in 17 years, but their 17th-placed finish has left his position untenable.

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  Spurs lost 22 of their 38 league games, and finished the season a mere four points clear of the relegation zone. Reports now suggest that Spurs will target Thomas Frank, the Brentford manager, as Postecoglou's replacement.

• WHAT SPURS SAID

  Spurs issued a statement, reading: "Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties.

  "Ange joined us from Celtic in the summer of 2023 and oversaw a period of change on the pitch, returning us to the attacking brand of football that has traditionally been associated with the Club, while writing a new chapter in our history by leading us to UEFA Europa League glory in Bilbao last month – an achievement that will live with us all forever.

  "We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the Club. Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy, alongside legendary figures Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw.

  "However, the Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the Club for a change to take place. Following a positive start in the 2023/24 Premier League (PL) season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games. This culminated in our worst-ever PL finish last season. At times there were extenuating circumstances – injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign. Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the Club’s greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph.

  "It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond. This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude. We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward, not the easy decision.

  "We have a talented, young squad and Ange has given us a great platform to build upon. We should like to express our gratitude to him. We wish him well for the future – he will always be welcome back at our home.

  "News on the appointment of a new Head Coach will be announced in due course."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Postecoglou became the first Australian to manage in the Premier League and was also the first Australian manager to guide a team to a European final. Winning it also made history.

Manchester United have revealed their new home kit for the 2025-26 season as the Red Devils look to improve on their dismal recent campaign.

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• Man Utd release new sleeves for next season
• Jersey design inspired by Old Trafford
• ‘Theatre of Dreams’ sign-off on collar

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The new kit’s central theme draws on the architecture and essence of Old Trafford itself, offering fans a wearable homage to the stadium often referred to as the “Theatre of Dreams.”

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  The base of the jersey is United’s iconic red, enriched with subtle design enhancements that make it stand out. The shirt incorporates an abstract sleeve graphic rendered in various shades of red, each hue meant to symbolise different aspects of Old Trafford, from the vibrant pitch and historic stands to the players’ tunnel that has seen countless footballing legends pass through.

  Read more about Man Utd's 2025-26 kits on GOAL

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  TELL ME MORE

  White logos and sleek black detailing on the shoulders and collar offer contrast and balance to the dominant red palette. A sharp black and white V-neck collar, along with a matching sleeve cuff, enhances the visual identity of the shirt. Adding to its symbolic appeal, the collar features a special sign-off on the back that reads “Theatre of Dreams".

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  The kit isn’t just about aesthetics; performance has also been prioritised. Developed through extensive collaboration with United players, the match-day version of the kit incorporates the latest innovations in adidas sportswear technology. For the fans, the replica version of the shirt comes with adidas' AEROREADY fabric, designed to absorb moisture and keep wearers cool and dry throughout the day.

Manchester United and INEOS are ready to make a bid to sign a Premier League attacker following discussions.

Man Utd transfer rumours ahead of Amorim’s first full season

The Red Devils are fighting to lift the Europa League between now and the end of the season, with Ruben Amorim’s side reaching the quarter-finals after defeating Real Sociedad.

However, away from the pitch, INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, alongside plans for a new 100,000-capacity stadium, are looking at potential signings ahead of Amorim’s first full season in charge.

Up to 10 Man Utd players on £1.8m per week could be moved on at Old Trafford this summer to make way for new signings, with a new attacker seemingly top of the to-do list.

As stated by Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, the Red Devils have a number of centre-forward targets across Europe.

“Manchester United are looking to strengthen their attack in the summer and are intensively scouting the market. Talks have already begun. From the Bundesliga, the Red Devils are closely monitoring Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko. Viktor Gyökeres and Victor Osimhen remain high on their list.”

£50m+ Man Utd ace open to leaving Old Trafford as club hold transfer talks

Man Utd may have a decision to make over one of their players this summer, as a club chases his signature.

By
Brett Worthington

Mar 18, 2025

However, alongside a striker, a new winger to potentially replace the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antony could be needed, with the pair impressing on loan at Aston Villa and Real Betis respectively.

Now, it looks as if Man Utd may have found that man who is currently playing in the top-flight.

Man Utd ready £33m+ bid to sign Bournemouth star after talks

According to Africa Foot, Man Utd have made Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo one of their transfer priorities this summer. It is claimed that the Red Devils have ‘officially entered the race’ for the 25-year-old and have held talks with the Cherries over a deal.

After those discussions, Man Utd are ready to make a bid €40m (£33.5m) to sign Semenyo and are considering giving the attacker a five-year deal at Old Trafford.

Capable of playing on either wing or through the middle if required, Semenyo, once dubbed “dangerous” by former Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson, has impressed on the south coast after joining Bournemouth from Bristol City back in 2023.

He’s registered 14 goal contributions during the current campaign and has been praised by teammate Lewis Cook earlier this season.

“As a team, we knew the quality he has and we saw that last year. He’s got to just keep working hard – being aggressive and being clinical.

“He’s got a lot better at running back and helping out the team too. He’s a powerful lad and has all the ability in the world. Hopefully he can continue to show that.”

Sheffield United have clawed their way to the top of the Championship and could now be ready to pinch one of their rivals’ star assets should promotion be achieved at Bramall Lane, per reports.

Sheffield United look to build on slender Championship lead

Nerves are starting to kick in across the board in England’s second-tier as Sheffield United, Leeds United and Burnley battle it out for an automatic place in next season’s Premier League.

The Blades hold a two-point advantage at the Championship summit over their direct rivals for promotion, while Sunderland, Coventry City and West Bromwich Albion occupy the remaining coveted playoff slots.

Since their agonising defeat at home to Leeds, Sheffield United have gone on a five-match unbeaten run at the perfect time and will take encouragement from monumental recent triumphs over Sheffield Wednesday and Coventry.

Coinciding with Daniel Farke’s Whites losing momentum, this period of the campaign may be looked back on as a sliding doors moment when all is said and done.

Nevertheless, Sheffield United are active in the transfer market and Jimmy Dunne is a target regardless of what division they end up in come May. Queens Park Rangers are holding out for £3 million after the Republic of Ireland international came close to joining the Blades during the January window.

Chancing their luck with divisional rivals’ star assets could be a running theme if promotion is achieved in Yorkshire, with Wilder now lining up a swoop for another proven Championship performer.

Sheffield United line up move for Sunderland star Ballard

According to Football League World, Sheffield United are chasing Sunderland defender Daniel Ballard’s signature and are ready to pounce for the Northern Ireland international if they manage to claim promotion to the Premier League.

Reported to earn around £25,000 at Sunderland, the Stevenage-born star has become a target due to Harry Souttar’s season-ending injury in Yorkshire, which has prompted Wilder to evaluate dipping into the market for defensive reinforcements.

Brewster included: Sheffield United must axe £88k-p/w quartet if they go up

Chris Wilder could have to be brutal with his Sheffield United team selections if promotion is reached.

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By
Kelan Sarson

Apr 1, 2025

Despite being a leading light for the Black Cats, Ballard has been restricted to 19 appearances this term due to injury problems, yielding two goals and an assist across all competitions.

Labelled “a natural leader” by Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill, the central defender has been a dominant presence for Sunderland, winning 85 duels and making 42 recoveries in the Championship.

Ultimately, Sheffield United will have to be creative when tasked with where to utilise their resources if they end up in the Premier League next term, so it makes sense to target players whom they have already had the opportunity to profile at close quarters.

Mic'd Up: The ESPN FC analyst spoke about all things Club World Cup and the state of soccer in America

Herculez Gomez is bullish on the Club World Cup.

One reason is because he played in the tournament, once upon a time – 15 years ago, he was part of a Pachuca team representing CONCACAF in Abu Dhabi against the best in the world, making Gomez one of the few American stars to ever really experience the competition in its prior format.

Much has changed. In Gomez's era, just seven teams competed. This summer, 32 teams from all over the world arrived in the United States to fight for recognition, prestige and, ultimately, a whole bunch of money. The tournament has evolved – and you can count Gomez among those who are enjoying the early phases of this new-look competition.

"You see fans on beaches in Miami, Boca fans," Gomez tells GOAL. "You see the Palmeiras fans. You see Botafogo taking over. You see all of these crazy things and it's awesome. This is what it's all about. This is what gets you excited for the World Cup in a year, too."

The former U.S. men's national team striker, who has plenty to say about the state of that program, has personal connections to this Club World Cup. Two of his former clubs, Pachuca and the Seattle Sounders, are in the field representing CONCACAF, just as Gomez did in 2010. Both lost to European competition in their opening matches, and now face big tests in the games to come.

The ESPN FC analyst will be among those watching on as the tournament continues as one hell of an appetizer ahead of a big summer of 2026.

Gomez discussed the Club World Cup, his own experience in the tournament, and his expectations for American soccer in the latest edition of Mic'd Up, a recurring feature in which GOAL US taps into the perspective of broadcasters, analysts, and other pundits on the state of soccer in the U.S. and abroad.

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  ON MLS IN THE CLUB WORLD CUP

  GOAL: We have the Club World Cup going on and, while the expectations around the MLS teams were somewhat low, all three put on decent showings in their first games. Looking big picture, what does it mean for MLS, and what are your expectations for what the league can get out of this?

  GOMEZ: So Seattle, I watched that game and I thought they were unfortunate in the end! I thought that the Copa Libertadores champions were begging for the final whistle. That's how bad it was at the end for Botafogo. As far as MLS is concerned, I think they've done better than expected. LAFC played the Conference League champions, Chelsea, a team that has spent $1 billion in the last, I don't know, five years. They were respectable.

  The Seattle Sounders, they could have tied that game, but it slipped away. Probably should have gotten a better result. Inter Miami, they got fortunate because they were played off the park in the first half, But they could have stolen it! Messi almost single-handedly won them that game. So I've been extremely pleased with what I've seen from the Major League Soccer teams.

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  ON THE CLUB WORLD CUP AS A WHOLE

  GOAL: Thoughts on the tournament as a whole? There's so much to discuss with attendance, results, culture, etc. What are your general thoughts?

  GOMEZ: I'm a big believer in this tournament. I played in the Club World Cup in 2010 with Pachuca when it was seven teams, when you had to be one of the elite in your region to get there. But I'm cheering for the Club World Cup. I've been extremely pleased with what I've seen so far – 80,000 (fans) in Pasadena, 60,000 at Hard Rock. These are great numbers. You're seeing the ref cam, which I'm a big believer in, and it seems the players are taking this seriously. The clubs are taking it seriously. The fans are showing up.

  Granted, there have been games like the one in Atlanta with Chelsea and LAFC, but I think that's unfair because LAFC are the only MLS team playing outside of their venue. I understand that, but I've enjoyed it. You look at Boca vs Benfica and the players are fighting with each other because they want to win, so I'm on board there.

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  ON HIS CLUB WORLD CUP EXPERIENCE

  GOAL: You did play in this tournament, even if it was very different at the time. What are your memories from that experience?

  GOMEZ: It was great. It was Abu Dhabi in 2010 and it was big for me in the sense that I was just coming off a World Cup in that same year, and then I'm going to play in the Club World Cup. You're thinking, "Wow, this is great!" It's Inter, Jose Mourinho had just left, but it was his treble-winning Inter. Brazil's Internacional were there.

  Pachuca, we felt like we were doing something big, but then you get to the stadium and we're facing an African team in the first game, Mazembe, but there were probably – I don't know the official count – but there were maybe 12,000 people there and it felt like 1,000 because of the size of the stadium. It didn't feel like this grand moment. So now, I'm looking at these games and, I know it's Messi, but they're playing Al-Ahli and there are Egyptian fans in the stadium. I'm thinking to myself, "Wow, this feels like an event."

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  ON THE RISE OF SOCCER IN AMERICA

  GOAL: This is just the latest big summer for American soccer. We had the Copa America last year, Club World Cup and Gold Cup this year and, of course, the World Cup coming next year. What do you think the impact of all of this is going to be? Is this a period where things really are going to change?

  GOMEZ: If the 1994 World Cup, which is still the most successful World Cup yet, is anything to go by, this will change the dynamic. That resulted in the birth of a domestic league and basically everything we have now is because of the '94 World Cup. This can take it even further. It could be the rocket fuel. That said, it would really help if the U.S. men's national team makes a run, just for the growth in this country, to inspire millions of kids to take things to that next level.

  I work Monday to Friday on ESPN Deportes, and we talk about all sports – but mainly soccer. And I have a colleague who says, "The U.S. is not a soccer country." He's wrong. The U.S. is a soccer country. Not everyone will follow or support the USMNT, not everyone will follow or support MLS. But you see the massive amounts of numbers that come out to games, whether that's friendlies, ICC, Club World Cup, whatever the case may be. You see the number of people who watch the Champions League or the World Cup in the States. You see who purchases soccer content, soccer merchandise.

  We are, by far, a soccer country. We may not yet be a USMNT country or an MLS country, but this is a soccer country. And this is before the explosion of the 2026 World Cup, with that expanded field. This has the potential to go down as the biggest sporting event ever to take place.

AC Milan are close to signing Torino’s Samuele Ricci after Milan negotiated a discount by getting Torino to lower their asking price for the midfielder.

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• Milan close to signing Ricci
• Torino's dropped asking price from €33m
• Ricci part of a midfield rebuild

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Torino initially demanded €33 million (£28m/$38m) for the midfielder, but Milan director Igli Tare has managed to negotiate a deal worth €25m (£21m/$29) including bonuses, according to

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  Milan have had an agreement with Ricci since January and only needed to agree a fee with his club. Ricci’s signing could be the beginning of a midfield rebuild that coach Massimilliano Allegri and director Tare have in mind after the sale of Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Ricci was reportedly targeted by City as a possible replacement for Rodri following the Ballon d'Or winner's injury. The 23-year-old revealed his admiration for the Spanish midfielder, admitting he studies videos of him.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RICCI AND MILAN ?

  With the deal at an advanced stage, Allegri will hope that he can have Ricci join the pre-season training on July 7. He will join Luka Modric who will join Milan as a free agent after his Club World Cup duties with Real Madrid. Milan will hope to complete more signings before the aforementioned date with negotiations for Granit Xhaka, Ardon Jashari and Javi Guerra in progress.