Crunch talks over Antony future
Real Betis are considering a bold strategy to keep Manchester United flop Antony at the club after a stunning loan stint in Seville.
Marca say the LaLiga club will hold talks with Old Trafford officials over the winger’s future next week.
The Red Devils will not accept a cut-price deal and the LaLiga outfit may therefore struggle to afford him permanently.
They will instead offer to take the Brazil international on loan again and even have plans to co-own him with Man Utd.
In a rarely-seen move, Betis could agree to purchase just a percentage of the 25-year-old’s rights.
It means both teams could benefit from any future sale but the scheme still relies on Antony cutting his £200,000-a-week salary, which Man Utd have been covering 16 per cent of.
Diaz to stay?
Luis Diaz has been strongly linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer, with the likes of Barcelona and Al-Hilal great admirers.
But the Colombian himself seems like he wants to stay.
In an interview with the club website, he said: “I feel I’m going through a really good period.
“I’m really happy to be here, to be part of this great institution, this great club and to have great team-mates around me.
“From the moment I arrived, I felt great pride. I always tried to work hard for this, and to see that nowadays things are working out for me fills me with pride and I’m really happy because that’s what I work for.
“[But] we are nobodies without our team-mates. We are a team. The forwards and wingers always try to help with goals and assists, and right now I’ve achieved good numbers to back that up.
“It’s about playing and then playing well, supporting the team in the way I play and enjoying it, like always.”
Battle for Sesko hots up
Manchester United and Arsenal could fight it out for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
According to Bild’s transfer insider Christian Falk, the Gunners are already in talks to try and strike a deal for Sesko which could climb to as high as £85million.
However, Falk indicates that the North Londoners will not be allowed to complete the move without competition.
That comes in the form of United, who are also looking to land a new striker.
But Man Utd are said to have a secret weapon in trying to convince the Slovenia international about a deal, and that is their director of recruitment Christopher Vivell.
The 22-year-old was personally watched by Vivell back in April, with Sun Sport revealing how he had a “gentleman’s agreement” with Leipzig to leave for around £60m if a top club tables an offer.
Vivell has already brought Sesko once before, to Red Bull Salzburg as a 16-year-old in 2019.
Brighton head Gunners & United in whizkid chase
EXCLUSIVE: Brighton have moved ahead of Manchester United and Arsenal as well as a raft of other suitors for Olympiacos wonderkid Babis Kostoulas, writes KOSTAS LIANOS.
But Wednesday will be “crucial” for his future.
Olympiacos won’t sell on the cheap and will insist on a major resale clause for the versatile striker, who has a contract until 2030.
Negotiations have reached a fee of €40million (£34m), which Fabian Hurzeler’s side are currently not willing to meet despite their willingness to pay good money for the 18-year-old.
SunSport, though, understand the Greece Under-21 international’s fee could climb even higher to €50-55m (£42-46m).
Alejandro prefers Chelsea move
EXCLUSIVE: Alejandro Garnacho has made Chelsea his No 1 choice this summer, writes RICHARD MORIARTY.
The £50million-rated Manchester United winger was told to find a new club following a fallout with boss Ruben Amorim.
Garnacho, 20, has previously been linked to Stamford Bridge after his management team were spotted taking in a Blues game this season.
The Argentina star, who is also attracting interest from Napoli, instructed his agent to make clear to Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca he wants to remain in the Prem.
A source said: “Alejandro knows the Premier League is the best in the world.
“And while he has had some good moments at United, he wants to establish himself as a world star.
“England is the best place to do that and Chelsea have assembled a lot of good young players.”
Red Dragons eye more Prem stars
Wrexham want to offer Wales keeper Danny Ward the chance to join their first season back in the Championship, writes ALAN NIXON.
Ward, 31, has been freed by Leicester after a difficult spell and could leap at the chance to join Phil Parkinson’s ambitious Red Dragons.
The Red Dragons and Derby have put former Wolves centre-back Craig Dawson on their shortlist of targets.
Dawson, 35, wants to play on and Rams boss John Eustace likes his experience.
But Eustace is also eyeing Blackburn defender Danny Batth – which might allow Wrexham to do a deal for Dawson on top wages.
The Red Dragons have also shown reported interest in two ex-England stars who are leaving West Ham on a free transfer.
Parkinson is keen on left-back Aaron Cresswell, 35, and 33-year-old striker Danny Ings.
