The midfielder is set to join the Serie A champions after refusing to sign a new deal at PSG, becoming their latest free transfer capture.

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Juventus have reached an agreement with French midfielder Adrien Rabiot on a multi-year contract, Goal can confirm.

Available on free transfer after refusing to sign a new deal with Paris Saint-Germain, Rabiot is set to sign a five-year contract with the Serie A champions, which will net him €7 million (£6m/$8m) per season.

In addition, Rabiot’s mother Veronique, who serves as his agent, is set to pocket a commission of €10m (£8.97/ $11.39m).

Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici flew to Paris on Friday in order to close negotiations and a framework has been reached.

An official confirmation of the deal could be announced as early as in the coming hours.

The deal means the 24-year-old Rabiot will bring to a close a nine-year affiliation with the Ligue 1 champions, having joined their youth side in 2010.

Receiving his first minutes for the senior side in 2012, followed by a half-season on loan with Toulouse, Rabiot became a key figure at the Parc de Princes during his tenure with PSG.

However, entering into the final year of his contract, Rabiot was unable to find an agreement with PSG and found himself suspended for the second half of the season, though head coach Thomas Tuchel claimed the midfielder’s absence was not related to those negotiations.

A possible move to Barcelona had been rumoured, with reported interest also suggesting Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool as possible destinations.

But instead he will head to Turin where he becomes the latest star to join the Bianconeri on free transfer.

Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey committed his future to the Serie A champions earlier this year on a four-year deal.

Last summer saw Juventus land former Liverpool midfielder Emre Can on a four-year deal as well.

In the past, the club have also landed the likes of Dani Alves, as well as Paul Pogba and legendary Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo on free transfers.

The club is also close to a €70m transfer for Ajax captain and highly-sought after centre-back Matthijs De Ligt.

Juventus have already seen major change at the top as their aim to not only win their ninth straight Serie A crown, but also their first Champions League title since 1996.

Maurizio Sarri has stepped into the coach’s seat, replacing Massimiliano Allegri, who coached the Bianconeri to five straight league titles, as well as two Champions League finals.

Source – Goal.com

AC Milan have struck a deal with Uefa to serve a one-year ban from European football over breaches of Financial Fair Play rules.

AC Milan successfully appealed against a ban in July 2018

Juventus have yet to agree a fee for Ajax’s Matthijs de Ligt – with the Dutch club seeking €75m for the defender, according to Sky in Italy.

The Italian champions have agreed personal terms with the 19-year-old – who has accepted a five-year contract offer which would see him earn €12m (£10.75m) a season.

However, Juventus now need to agree a price with Ajax for the highly-rated defender, who helped Ajax to a Dutch league and cup double, as well as the semi-finals of the Champions League last season.

Ajax want €75m (£67m) for De Ligt and Paris Saint-Germain remain in the hunt.

Ajax are understood to want £67m for Matthijs de Ligt

The Ligue 1 champions are understood to be willing to pay the asking price for the Netherlands international.

Source – Sky Sports

Just a year after being left out of Jorge Sampaoli’s World Cup plans, the youngster has grabbed his chance in Brazil to fire his nation to the semis.

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He is the new kid on the block, with everything to prove. Lautaro Martinez is relishing the opportunity to strut his stuff for Argentina at the Copa America, outshining even Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero to help his nation down Venezuela 2-0 and march on to meet Brazil in the semi-finals.

Lautaro, of course, was overlooked for the 2018 World Cup finals along with future Inter team-mate Mauro Icardi. The then-Racing Club striker was in imperious form for his club, but according to Jorge Sampaoli “lacked the extra gear” to make it for the Albiceleste.

Either the ex-Argentina boss was altogether mistaken about the prospect, or a single season in Serie A has provoked a drastic change in his play, because against Qatar and now Venezuela the 21-year-old added pace and explosion to transform the nation’s Copa America prospects.

He needed just 10 minutes to unlock the Vinotinto defence, having already played in Sergio Aguero once with a fine pass only to see the Manchester Cityicon denied by Wuilker Farinez.

This time Aguero repaid the favour, launching a speculative shot from the edge of the area. Lautaro reacted before anyone else with a sublime backheel that caught Farinez and the rest of Venezuela wrong-footed and gave Argentina an invaluable lead.

Throughout the first half the youngster was almost unstoppable. Messi also benefited from a perfectly placed pass to flash a shot wide, while Martinez himself was inches away from finding himself on the end of a low cross from former Racing team-mate Marcos Acuna.

And after the break only the woodwork stopped him from doubling Argentina’s tally, having charged onto a fine pass from Leandro Paredes.

In general, he also did more than anyone on the Argentina team to keep Venezuela on the back-foot with his incessant pressing and hunger for the ball. He may on occasion get carried away, picking up a deserved booking for a heavy early tackle, but his energy is a breath of fresh air in an Albiceleste which has shown precious little initiative so far in Brazil.

Elsewhere coach Lionel Scaloni breathed a sigh of relief as his selections, savagely and deservedly criticised in this tournament, began to bear fruit. Acuna added balance and defensive savvy to the midfield in place of Giovani Lo Celso, while Juan Foyth dispelled pre-match fears with a fine game on the right side of defence.

On the hour and with Argentina in clear control, however, the trainer withdrew Martinez and Acuna in a double substitution that left the side rudderless and open to a Vinotinto bombardment. Only the quick reflexes of Franco Armani stopped Salomon Rondon from grabbing a potentially disastrous equaliser which could have spelled the end for the team’s Copa aspirations.

Just when it looked like they were in for a torrid end to the game, Venezuela self-destructed. The usually flawless Wuilker Farinez somehow spilled a tame Aguero shot right into the path of Giovani Lo Celso, who was left with the simplest of finishes to make it 2-0. It could not have come at a better time for Argentina, who rode out the final 15 minutes with comfort to take the victory.

Whether that will be enough to down mighty Brazil, of course, remains to be seen.

Source – Goal.com

The U.S. star scored both of her side’s goals against France to answer her critics during a week she feuded with President Donald Trump.

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There has been a major firestorm around Megan Rapinoe this week but if there’s one thing we’ve learned about the U.S. star, it’s that she thrives under the spotlight.

Rapinoe showed that in her press conference on Thursday before the USWNT’s quarterfinal clash against France and then, more importantly, she showed it again Friday during the match at Parc des Princes.

With the eyes of the world on her, Rapinoe produced a two-goal performance to see the U.S. past the host nation 2-1 and into the World Cup semifinal, continuing the USWNT’s streak of reaching the last four in every World Cup since the inaugural edition in 1991.

Rapinoe has found herself in a feud with none other Donald Trump, after an old video of her saying she won’t go to the White House surfaced, prompting the U.S. President into a trademark tweetstorm.

The U.S. star, coincidentally, was scheduled for the pre-match press conference and gave a masterful performance, calmly reiterating her stance against Trumpwhile using her trademark style of candidness and humor.

If there were plenty of eyes on Rapinoe’s press conference performance, though, there were infinitely more on the showdown with France the following day. Just like she did the day before, Rapinoe delivered.

After a match-winning two-goal performance, though, Rapinoe denied that she was given any extra motivation by Trump’s fury.

“I don’t really get energized by haters or all that,” Rapinoe said. “I feel like there are so many more people that love me so I’m like, ‘Yay, keep loving me, this is great!'”

Rapinoe opened the scoring in just the fifth minute when she sent a low free kick through the box that evaded everyone and nestled into the back of the net.

From there the U.S. struggled to keep hold of the game. U.S. manager Jill Ellis’s controversial decision to bench Lindsey Horan meant the USWNT conceded much of the possession to the French, who threw everything they had at the U.S. back line.

But the USWNT defense held up and as the French began to step up the pressure midway through the second half, Rapinoe came through again.

This time, she got on the end of Tobin Heath’s clever low cross and finished low to give her side a two-goal advantage. France’s Wendie Renard scored off a late set piece to make for a nervy finish, but it wasn’t enough for the host nation.

Though Rapinoe denied she was extra motivated by her feud with Trump, her manager believes that the media firestorm saw her take her game to a new level.

“It’s almost like it just feeds her,” Ellis said of the controversy. “She’s a big personality both on and off the pitch and I think she honestly thrives in these moments.”

In the big moments for the U.S in this World Cup, Rapinoe has come through. She’s scored all four of her team’s goals in the knockout phase thus far.

Just as she did in the USWNT’s last-16 win against Spain, Rapinoe delivered her side’s only two goals in a match-winning performance. Unlike Spain though, neither of Rapinoe’s goals against France came from the penalty spot.

And this time, she did it with even more pressure on her. And maybe even with a certain someone watching on from the White House.

Source – Goal.com

Aaron Wan-Bissaka could undergo a medical at Manchester United in the next 24 hours, with United having made progress in their bid to sign the Crystal Palace right-back.

Manchester United have made progress in their bid to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka

The Palace defender will cost £45m plus £5m based on add-ons.

He is expected to sign a long-term contract at Old Trafford and would become Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s second signing of the summer, following the addition of Daniel James from Swansea.

The England U21 defender will be United’s fourth most expensive signing of all-time behind Paul Pogba (£89m), Romelu Lukaku (£76m), and Angel Di Maria (£59.7m).

Wan-Bissaka had three years remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park and featured 39 times in all competitions last season as Palace finished 12th in the Premier League.

Wan-Bissaka made 35 appearances in the Premier League last season

United boss Solskjaer was keen to bring in a right-back this summer following the departure of club captain Antonio Valencia.

Source – Sky Sports

The legendary Italian goalkeeper recently announced his intention to leave PSG after one season and now looks set to make a shock return to Turin.

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Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon is set to make a sensational return to the club after announcing his Paris Saint-Germain departure.

The 41-year-old left the Serie A champions at the end of his contract in June 2018 after 17 years with the club, opting to move to France and sign a one-year deal with PSG.

He recently announced his intention to leave Paris , despite being offered a contract extension, and Goal can confirm that the Italian is set to make an unexpected return to Juventus.

Buffon’s return will see him act as back-up to first-choice keeper Wojciech Szczesny, whose stock has increased after cementing his place as one of Serie A’s finest between the sticks.

Although the move seemed unthinkable only a few days ago, the Italian’s relationship with Juventus club president Andrea Agnelli has helped to push the move through with Buffon having already agreed a one-year contract.

The move will be made official once the future of current back-up goalkeeper Mattia Perin has been decided, with the 26-year-old expected to leave the club this summer amid interest from Roma and Sevilla.

Buffon still feels he has something to offer at the highest level after leaving PSG with a Ligue 1 winners’ medal, and will possibly look at moving into management when he decides to call an end to his playing days.

The World Cup winner is not the only man who donned a PSG shirt last season who Juventus are interested in bringing to Turin this summer, however, with midfielder Adrien Rabiot high on the club’s transfer target list.

The France international was suspended by the club in December and has been linked with a move to various top European clubs, including Barcelona and Manchester United as a result, but sources close to the deal have told Goal that the Old Lady are confident of completing a deal .

The central midfielder’s contract is set to expire at the end of June, and Juventus are offering him a deal worth €7 million (£6m/$8m) per season, excluding any additional bonuses.

The Serie A champions are looking to move forward with transfer targets swiftly during the summer transfer window, having appointed Maurizio Sarri as their new coach on June 16.

Source – Goal.com

The Brazil international may be allowed to leave PSG if the Ligue 1 club receive a suitable offer for his services, with former club Barcelona linked.

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The time is now for Neymar to make a decision over his future with Paris Saint-Germain, says former Barcelona defender Juliano Belletti.

The Brazilian, who has spent two seasons with the Ligue 1 outfit since his world-record transfer from the Blaugrana in 2017, has reportedly been made available for a move should the club receive a suitable offer.

Both former home Barca and key La Liga rivals Real Madrid have been linked with the forward, and Belletti, who played for the Catalan club between 2004 and 2007, has acknowledged that the Olympic gold medallist faces a major call over his next steps.

“A lot has been said about Neymar. I know hardly anything about this,” the 43-year-old stated.

“For him, it is the moment to decide. He has to be very calm with his family to take the best decision.”

Upon his arrival at PSG, having claimed a Champions League title and two domestic crowns in Spain, Neymar was widely tipped to spearhead the French outfit’s challenge for European glory.

However, such success has failed to materialise, with consecutive round-of-16 knockouts in 2018 and 2019 against Madrid and Manchester United curtailing their hopes of continental success.

PSG’s inability to challenge for such silverware has contributed to a difficult mood at the club that has seen Neymar reportedly clash with team-mates, leading to speculation that he will depart this transfer window.

Speaking on whether he would prefer a return to Camp Nou for the Selecao star or for Barca to make a move for outgoing Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann, Belletti admitted that his fellow countryman was his personal pick.

“I am Brazilian and I have played during all my life with the best Brazilian players of my generation: Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Rivaldo,” he added.

“So, imagine, I am more about these kind of things.”

A return to Catalonia could see Neymar link up with international compatriot Philippe Coutinho, who has struggled since making a big-money move from Liverpool, though Belletti believes his poor performances boil down to a lack of self-belief.

“When he gets more confidence, he will do much better,” he added.

Source – Goal.com

Croatia came from behind three times against England to earn a 3-3 draw in the teams Group C finale at the Under-21 European Championship on Monday night.

England players celebrate after scoring a goal against Croatia at the 2019 Under-21 European Championship. Getty Images

An 11th minute penalty from Reiss Nelson put England ahead early on, but Croatia pegged the Young Lions back before the break through Josip Brekalo.

Leicester striker James Maddison restored England’s lead early in the second half, but a fine, curling, first-time shot from Nikola Vlasic levelled the score at 2-2 in the 62nd minute with the latter being withdrawn after being injured on the scoring play.

However, England would retake the lead yet again, this time through a Jonjoe Kenny cracker from 20 yards out that left Croatia keeper Ivo Grbic no chance and saw his team fall behind 3-2.

For the third and final time, though, Croatia got back on level terms as Brekalo was played into the England penalty area and nutmegged Dean Henderson after the keeper was drawn off his line.

The result means Croatia and England will miss out on the knockout rounds with both sides managing just a single point in Group C play.

Source – ESPN