Haaland loves ABBA

Erling Haaland will arrive at Manchester City as one of the hottest strikers in football.

Yet while he has a reputation as one of the coolest finishers around, the same cannot be said of his taste in music… after it emerged he is a big fan of ABBA.

Haaland will start life at the Etihad next month after putting the finishing touches to his £51 million summer move from Borussia Dortmund.

But the 21-year-old Norwegian could have a problem getting his own way with the dressing room sounds, if he tries to insist on the Swedish supergroup being played.

His old Dortmund team-mates would regularly play ABBA’s hit “The Winner Takes It All” in the dressing room after Haaland let it slip he was a fan.

Brighton win race for wonderkid

Brighton look to have beaten Arsenal to a top South American talent, if reports are to be believed.

Paraguayan wonderkid Julio Enciso is now flying to England to sign for a Premier League club, just months after the Gunners sent scouts to watch the talent.

And it appears the forward is heading for Brighton in an £8million deal, say Sky Sports.

The 18-year-old scored 11 goals in 17 games for his club Libertad last season.

Nunez rested by Uruguay

Darwin Nunez has been left out by Uruguay, as a deal with Liverpool appears to be thrashed out.

Fabrizio Romano has tweeted: ‘Uruguay confirm that Darwin Núñez has been left out of the team for tonight game. No risk as he’s set to complete his move to Liverpool in the next days.

“Darwin and his agents are planning for travel to England after verbal agreement between Liverpool and Benfica.”

Kirchner’s loss

American businessman Chris Kirchner faces the loss of a £1.6 million payment if he misses out on the chase for Derby County.

Kirchner is currently trying to clear a £21.4 million payment to secure ownership of Wayne Rooney’s club but can be beaten to the deal by rivals after losing his exclusivity.

But in the meantime Kirchner has paid in the funds that sorted out the club’s wages last month when they risked losing three points NEXT season.

Kirchner originally attempted to transfer his funds on May 27, in time to pay administrators Quantuma and cover the payroll.

When the initial anti money-laundering check problems arose it meant the money would be too late to pay those bills and mean a suspended EFL penalty kicked in.

Bailey car accident

Aston Villa star Leon Bailey’s son Leo and partner Stephanie Hope were involved in a car crash with the vehicle overturning on the motorway.

Bailey was preparing to play for Jamaica against Suriname when he received a phone call which informed him of the crash.

The Villa winger immediately left the camp and set off for the hospital, which he says was “the longest car ride ever”.

Thankfully, neither baby Leo or partner Stephanie were hurt.

Pirlo returns to management

Andrea Pirlo has reportedly agreed to take charge of Turkish side Fatih Karagumruk.

The Italian has been out of work since being sacked by Juventus 12 months ago.

Pirlo, 43, won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana with the Serie A giants.

But after underwhelming showings in the league and Champions League, the former midfielder was given the boot and replaced by Massimiliano Allegri.

After a year on the sidelines, Sky Sport Italia report that Pirlo is set to end his sabbatical by moving to Karagumruk.

Huddersfield to sign Debrah

Huddersfield will sign Halifax centre-back Jesse Debrah, 22, then loan him out for the season.

The Londoner started his career at Millwall before dropping into the National League last year.

He failed to ever make a senior appearance for the Lions.

But Huddersfield boss Carlos Corberan is set to offer Debrah a return to the football league.

Debrah played 26 times for Halifax last season in all competitions, helping the club to a fourth-place finish in the National League.

Fresh Rooney blow

Stoke and Millwall are keen on Derby County right-back Nathan Byrne.

Both Championship clubs want the attacking defender, who was named players’ player for Wayne Rooney’s Rams last season.

Byrne started 41 out of Derby’s 46 league games as the club could not avoid relegation to the third tier.

Derby took up an option on the 30-year-old’s contract after he played a set amount of games.

His contract had originally been due to expire this summer.

But both the Stoke and Millwall could offer more cash in wages if they could afford the fee.

Spurs want Richarlison

Tottenham are pushing to complete a deal for Everton forward Richarlison.

The Brazilian showed his class as he helped keep Frank Lampard’s side in the Premier League last season.

He ended up on 10 goals and five assists for the season, whilst establishing himself as a regular for his country.

An impressive 14 goals in 36 caps has boosted his confidence, bringing some form when his club needed it the most in their battle against relegation.

However, it has been reported that the 25-year-old has already informed his manager that he plans to leave Goodison Park this summer.

And he could be Tottenham bound with SunSport understanding Antonio Conte’s side are in the hunt for his services.

Reports have suggested a deal could be struck around £51.25million.

Chelsea handed Kounde transfer boost

Chelsea have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.

 Sevilla chief Jose Maria Cruz de Andres has confirmed Kounde wishes to move on – and even name dropped Chelsea as an option.

He said: “Again, the player, I am sure, respects Sevilla FC. He is happy with us. In the case of Kounde, it is not a matter of money. It’s a matter of him wanting to play in a more competitive team than Sevilla FC.

“I am sure he is a player that is attractive for teams like Chelsea, FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich and these types of teams. He wants to play in a more competitive team.”

Nunez Liverpool transfer nears completion

Liverpool target Darwin Nunez is reportedly set to miss Uruguay’s fixture tonight in order to get his move over the line.

The striker has been on Liverpool’s radar for a number of weeks, with them stepping up their interest in recent days over a deal that could be worth as much as £80million.

Now Uruguayan publication El Pais have reported the national team are aware of the situation, confirming Nunez will not be present for the match on Saturday.

Uruguay are getting ready to host Panama in an international friendly.

However the Benfica striker will not be present, as the Reds look to get the big-money move completed.

Liverpool close in on Nunez

Liverpool are closing in on the signing of forward Darwin Nunez after reaching a verbal agreement with Benfica, according to reports.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have reached a verbal agreement with Nunez’s club Benfica on Saturday morning.

The fee for Nunez including add-ons totals to £85.4m, breaking Liverpool’s transfer record.

Pogba stalls on future

Paul Pogba is waiting to see if Zinedine Zidane becomes PSG’s manager before deciding on his future.

Pogba is reportedly on the brink of joining Juventus after leaving Man United on a free transfer.

But the Frenchman is said to be stalling as reports claim Zidane is set to replace Mauricio Pochettino as the Ligue 1 side’s boss, according to RMC sport.

Tchouameni transfer to Madrid confirmed

Real Madrid have completed the transfer singing of Aurelien Tchouameni.

The midfielder has penned a six-year deal with the La Liga Champions.

And the transfer is reportedly worth £68m with £17m in bonuses, Fabrizio Romano reported.

Arsenal given transfer tip

Arsenal have been urged to make a swoop for Manchester United target Christopher Nkunku by Darren Bent.

Bent told talkSPORT: “And Christopher Nkunku. [He would cost] a lot. There’s talk about him going back to Paris Saint-Germain.

‘”But I’d love him. I think he fits the bill, he can play centre-forward, he can play off the left, he can play off the right.”

Barcelona plan Chelsea raid

Barcelona are still looking to complete a double raid for Chelsea defenders Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta.

The Blues pair have been rumoured to be leaving the club this summer as part of a rebuild under new owner Todd Boehly.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Catalan club are still hopeful they’ll be able to secure the pair this summer.

Mane to Bayern latest

Bayern Munich are still falling short of Liverpool’s valuation of Sadio Mane, it’s claimed.

It is being claimed that a bid from the Bundesliga champions still falls around £8million short of Liverpool’s valuation.

However, the Daily Mail are reporting that contact has been made between Mane and potential new boss Julian Nagelsmann.

City want to keep Jesus

Man City want Gabriel Jesus to pen a new contract, according to reports.

According to 90min, Pep Guardiola’s side feel that they have offered Jesus a “very good deal” in a bid to entice him to stay.

Guardiola values the forward highly, having started him in both legs of City’s Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.

Pogba ‘set for Juve return’

Paul Pogba is on the verge of sealing a return to Juventus in a deal worth £68m, reports claim.

The Frenchman will head to Turin for four years and net £8.5m every season which will include £6.8m in bonuses, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

And the bulk of the transfer fee will be compiled of Pogba’s contract, agent fees, signing-on fees, plus bonuses.

Why Jesus should join Chelsea

Gabriel Jesus should move to Chelsea as he’ll be supported by rookies Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe at Arsenal.

That’s according to Stan Collymore who also questioned whether the Gunners duo will be at the club in two year’s time.

He said to the Mirror: “At Arsenal, with the support cast they have, which is still two rookies in Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka — and we don’t know for sure that they will still be wearing Gunners shirts in two years’ time, with Saka being linked with Liverpool and City.

“If I was Jesus I would be thinking of myself in the blue shirt at Stamford Bridge.”

Neves on Barcelona’s wishlist

Barcelona have reportedly placed Ruben Neves at the top of their transfer wishlist this summer.

The Catalan giants are pre-empting a move for Neves in the coming weeks, according to Sport.

Barca have also informed Neves’ agent Jorge Mendes of their plans to swoon on the player who Man United have been tracking.

Trossard tipped for Brighton exit

Leandro Trossard has been tipped to leave Brighton for a bigger club this summer by Paul Merson.

Merson said to Sportskeeda: “With the talent Trossard’s got, it wouldn’t surprise me if he played a role for the national team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, so teams interested in him should probably look to snap him up this summer before his value soares.

“There are a couple of other players I could have picked from Brighton because they are a really good football-playing side, but I just like the way Trossard plays and have always felt that he’s a bit underrated.

“No disrespect to Brighton, but he can go higher and easily turn out for one of the top teams in the Premier League.”

Arsenal chase Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is the latest midfielder reportedly on Arsenal’s wishlist.

The Gunners are considering tabling a £42million to sign the Serbian international, according to Corriere dello Sport.

And the North Londoners are willing to increase the offer to entice Lazio into selling him, the report adds.

Pogba linked to PSG switch

Paul Pogba is sensationally set to snub Juventus and move to Paris Saint-Germain if Zinedine Zidane is hired by the Ligue 1 champions, according to reports.

Pogba was widely expected to return to Juventus for a second stint, with Real Madrid turning to Aurelien Tchouameni instead.

But French outlet RMC Sport now claim Pogba is waiting to see if Zidane lands the PSG job as he targets a move to the French capital.

The ex-Los Blancos chief is said to have travelled to Qatar to meet with PSG owners.

Good morning football fans

Manchester United are still thought to be trying to hijack Liverpool’s deal for Darwin Nunez.

Reports suggest contact has been made with Nunez’s representatives, but the striker himself would still prefer a move to Anfield.

Liverpool are yet to agree a transfer fee with Benfica for the 22-year-old frontman.

Elsewhere Frenkie de Jong could end up costing United £85m.

The Red Devils and Barcelona are currently in formal talks regarding a deal for the midfielder.

According to ESPN the LaLiga giants want the total package, including add-ons,to be worth up to that figure.

United meanwhile are thought to have offered an initial £50m for the Dutch international.

Tottenham are reportedly in “advanced talks” to sign Middlesbrough wing-back Djed Spence.

The England U21 international shone while on loan at Nottingham Forest last season, helping the club achieve promotion to the Premier League.

His form sparked interest from Spurs, who are now the frontrunners for his signature, according to Sky Sports.

It’s claimed a decision on Spence’s future could come as soon as in the next few days.

And finally Paul Pogba could snub a return to Juventus if Zinedine Zidane is named as Paris Saint-Germain manager.

French outlet RMC claim Pogba is waiting to see whether Zidane is appointed as boss before deciding on his next career move.