Chelsea fans demand Boehly investigation, Trent defended, Arsenal Women win (2025)

45 minutes agoBy Joe Brophy

Cris cross

Tottenham defender Cristian Romero is open to the possibility of a move to Atletico Madrid, talkSPORT understands.

Atleti boss Diego Simeone is a big admirer of his fellow Argentine ahead of this summer's transfer window.

Romero is about to enter the final two years of his contract, making Spurs vulnerable to an offer.

55 minutes agoBy Joe Brophy

T-Rent control

Jamie Carragher has spoken for the first time since talkSPORT revealed Trent Alexander-Arnold has chosen to join Real Madrid.

"Where I’m at is that as a local player and a Liverpool fan, Liverpool are in a position where they’re competing for the league and a European Cup every year," he said on the Stick To Football podcast.

"So, if you’re a Liverpool fan and a local player, I’m just disappointed that he doesn’t think that this is it.

"I’m putting myself in his position where I’d be thinking that we could go level with Manchester United in league trophies, I’ve got another seven or eight years at Liverpool and want to get three or four ahead of them, with a couple more European Cups.

"It seems like there’s not one thing people are unhappy with – it’s leaving on a free or that he should have come out and told the club earlier – people are angry for three or four different things,' Carragher added.

"I’m not angry about him going on a free. In an ideal world, Liverpool would get £70m or £80m for him to reinvest, but you can’t have it both ways as a supporter.

"If Liverpool sign someone on a free in the summer, we’d all be delighted, so does that mean that his former club should absolutely hate him?

"Also, when you’re a local player, you don’t cost anything – Trent going on a free is like Virgil van Dijk leaving for £75m, we’d still break even."

26th Mar 2025, 22:24By Jackson Cole

Good Apple

Michael Appleton has been appointed Shrewsbury head coach until the end of the season.

Shrewsbury were rocked on Tuesday when Gareth Ainsworth left the club to take over at Gillingham, but the Sky Bet League One outfit moved quickly to bring in Appleton for the final nine matches of the campaign.

Former Blackpool, Portsmouth and Oxford boss Appleton has been out of work since he was dismissed by Charlton at the start of 2024 following only four months at the helm and will be joined at the Shrews by long-serving assistant Richard O'Donnell.

"It's been a difficult seven days, but once Gareth Ainsworth made the decision to leave, it was important we acted quickly to find the right man to guide us through the remainder of the season," Shrewsbury director of football Micky Moore said.

"Michael was my number one target and I'm thrilled that over the last 24 hours we've been able to get a deal over the line.

"I know the past few days have been difficult for supporters. Nobody likes confusion and uncertainty, but hopefully now, by making this quick appointment, we can all get behind Michael and Richard for the remaining nine games of the season."

Bottom-of-the-table Shrewsbury, who are 14 points from safety, begin Appleton's tenure at Birmingham on Saturday.

26th Mar 2025, 21:53By Jackson Cole

Turnaround

Arsenal are into the semi-finals of the Women's Champions League as they completed a stunning comeback win over Real Madrid.

Having lost the first leg of the quarter-final tie 2-0, Renee Slegers' side had a mountain to climb ahead of the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.

But two goals from Alessia Russo as well as a goal from Mariona Caldentey has seen the Gunners through.

Awaiting Arsenal in the last four are Lyon, who have won the Women's Champions League a record eight times.

Tomorrow night it's an all Women's Super League affair with Chelsea entertaining Manchester City in one of the other quarter-finals - City go into the second leg 2-0 up on aggregate.

26th Mar 2025, 18:35By Jack Cunningham

Fresh start

talkSPORT understands that Aston Villa and Newcastle United are both keen on Noni Madueke.

Chelsea are expected to be tempted to sell the England international this summer in an effort to raise funds to strengthen other areas of Enzo Maresca's side.

Madueke has actually enjoyed a decent season for the Blues, scoring seven times in 23 Premier League games.

However, he has been twice called out for poor attitude on the pitch, and he could have to depart west London.

Liverpool plot stunning Isak move, Man United star open to exit, PL duo want Chelsea man

26th Mar 2025, 17:30By Jack Cunningham

'Surreal'

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been talking about winning the Carabao Cup with the Toon.

The forward scored the second in the 2-1 win over Liverpool at Wembley earlier in March, and along with his teammates, added his name to Newcastle's history forever.

The moment he connected with Jacob Murphy's header to flash the ball into the net will be replayed over and over again for years by Magpies fans as the club ended it's 70-year domestic trophy drought.

There is an enormous parade planned this weekend, where Isak will join all his teammates and likely hundreds of thousands of people to celebrate the achievement, and after enjoying a fine international break with Sweden, the striker has been speaking about winning the Carabao Cup.

He said: “You cannot describe it, almost every fan I looked up at in Wembley was crying.

“There were so many emotions in my head, it was almost surreal. The best day of my life? From a football perspective I think so.

“The party was incredible – although not too long for me as I was leaving in the morning – and I can’t wait to see what Newcastle is like as a city after that.”

26th Mar 2025, 16:44By Jack Johnson

'Clear conflict of interest'

The Chelsea Supporters' Trust has written to Premier League boss Richard Masters calling for an investigation into the club's co-owner Todd Boehly.

The open letter that has been sent in response to reports of Boehly's connections with ticket exchange and resale company Vivid Seats.

Alongside his role at Chelsea, the American is a director at Vivid Seats which is a website that allows the resale of Premier League tickets for prices well above face value.

Within the long letter, the CST call Boehly's connection with the company 'totally inappropriate' and claim it 'significantly undermines the efforts of Chelsea FC, The Premier League, and The Metropolitan Police to combat ticket touting'.

A CST spokesperson added: "Vivid Seats continues to list Premier League tickets for above face value at significantly inflated rates and our members have continued to indicate that Mr Boehly's connection with Vivid Seats is a breach of trust and a clear conflict of interest.

"Not only does this undermine the efforts of Chelsea FC, the Premier League, and the Metropolitan Police to combat ticket touting, but Vivid Seats contravenes the Chelsea FC ticketing policy, and is explicitly named by the Premier League as a known unauthorised ticket website.

"We believe that now is the time for the Premier League to act swiftly and ensure that a major shareowner of a Premier League club ceases facilitating the sale of tickets for significantly above face value."

Chelsea declined to comment when approached by talkSPORT.

26th Mar 2025, 16:00By Jack Johnson

Sensational reunion

Ex-Celtic and Tottenham star Victor Wanyama looks set to join Scottish Championship side Dunfermline Athletic.

According to reports in Scotland, Wanyama is undergoing a medical to make a sensational return to the country.

The Kenyan just spent four years in Canada with CF Montreal, featuring in the MLS and playing over 140 games for the club.

He hadn't found a team since his contract expired on January 1 of this year, but now he's going to reunite with an old manager.

Neil Lennon was in charge of Celtic when Wanyama spent two years there, making 91 appearances in total.

Now, Lennon is manager of Dunfermline, and he's going to bring the 33-year-old midfielder back to Scotland.

Wanyama will be joining a side that are battling for safety in the Scottish second-tier, sitting ninth in a 10-team league.

His introduction will provide a wealth of experience that should help boost their chances of survival.

26th Mar 2025, 15:30By Jack Johnson

Stear-ing Swansea to safety

Swansea have announced that caretaker manager Alan Sheehan will be remaining in his role until the end of the season.

Sheehan was given the interim position following Luke Williams' sacking in February, but now he's staying on despite only winning two of his six games in charge.

He has added two new faces to his coaching staff following the announcement and fans will recognise the names.

Ex-Premier League defender Richard Stearman, who made over 200 appearances for Wolves, has left his post as assistant at Solihull Moors to join Swansea.

And former Huddersfield manager Mark Fotheringham has also joined Sheehan's backroom team.

Fotheringham was Terriers boss for four months in 2022/23 before being sacked after only winning five of 21 games in charge.

They will hope to help the club steer clear of the Championship relegation battle, as they sit 16th and six points off the drop zone.

26th Mar 2025, 14:40By Jack Johnson

Eyeing Isak

Newcastle are braced for a major assault from Liverpool on their star striker Alexander Isak.

Various sources have told talkSPORT that Isak features prominently on Liverpool’s list of targets, even if Mohamed Salah decides to stay.

Whilesuggestions of a possible swap deal involving Darwin Nunezhave been played down, there are other playersLiverpoolcould be willing to bring into negotiations.

Newcastle were close to signing Joe Gomez last summer.

Jarrell Quansah also was touted as a potential makeweight when the Reds were trying to pry Anthony Gordon away from St James Park.

The Magpies plan to hold contract talks with Isak at the end of the season but realise the Swede will be hot property after scoring 50 goals in just 77Premier Leaguegames.

With doubts over Isak’s future and Callum Wilson expected to depart, Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell has registered an interest in soon-to-be free agent Jonathan David.

But the Magpies will have competition for the Canada international, withArsenal, Tottenham,Manchester Unitedand West Ham among the clubs also linked with an interest.

26th Mar 2025, 13:50By Jack Johnson

Early return?

Reports are suggesting that Arsenal could have Bukayo Saka back for their next Premier League game.

The England international has been out of action since December after undergoing hamstring surgery.

However, Arsenal journalist Charles Watts is reporting that Saka might be fit to feature against Fulham next Tuesday.

This would be a huge boost for the Gunners, who have crashed out of both domestic cups and basically lost all hope of winning the Premier League title in his absence.

They are still in the Champions League and face Real Madrid next month, so getting him fully fit for those two matches would be the aim.

26th Mar 2025, 13:00By Jack Johnson

Ruled out

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has confirmed that Raphinha will not play in their next game against Osasuna.

Raphinha was involved in chaos during Brazil's humiliating 4-1 loss to Argentina last night, being held back as he vented his anger.

He now won't be involved for Barca as domestic action returns on Thursday night, to continue his woes.

However, Flick has made the decision to leave him out to benefit his star, as he will not have had enough rest before featuring.

Brazil's defeat came on Tuesday night and Barca's clash with Osasuna will be taking place tomorrow evening.

Speaking on the winger and his teammate, Ronald Araujo, the boss said: “Araujo and Raphinha will NOT play against Osasuna.

“The journey is too long and they need rest”.

26th Mar 2025, 12:11By Jack Johnson

Immediate agreement

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed some extra details about Trent Alexander-Arnold's move to Real Madrid.

In the latest episode of the Here We Go podcast, Romano reported thatAlexander-Arnold immediately accepted a non-negotiable demand set by Real.

He said: “My understanding from Real Madrid’s side is that this is not going to be a salary as one of the best-paid players at Real Madrid.

“Vinicius is negotiating a new deal, Mbappe joined one year ago, Jude Bellingham is on an important contract – it’s not going to be on that part of the contract strategy at Real Madrid.

"It’s going to be obviously a very good salary, but not a crazy salary.

“This is an important point. For Real Madrid, it was very clear since day one. They told very clearly to Trent already when they had the first conversations – ‘If you want to join, it has to be on our terms. Otherwise, you can extend at Liverpool or do whatever you want’.

"Real Madrid were very clear on this point. This was the message to Trent, and Trent immediately accepted.”

26th Mar 2025, 11:19By Jack Johnson

Dibling demand

Southampton want over £100million for winger Tyler Dibling amid interest from Tottenham and Manchester City.

That's according to The Telegraph, who report that the Saints' huge valuation is leaving interested clubs frustrated.

Dibling has made 25 Premier League appearances and he is likely to depart St. Mary's this summer with his side set to be relegated.

Spurs and Man City are said to be looking at a potential move for the 19-year-old, but Southampton are going to stand strong.

They are expecting bids to come in, but they value their academy product at over £100million.

Manchester United, Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig are also said to have scouted him regularly this season.

However, for all interested clubs, the huge valuation is sure to be a stumbling block.

Dibling, who has been a bright spark in Southampton's dismal year, has four goals and two assists to his name.

26th Mar 2025, 10:50By Jack Johnson

'Two top-class strikers'

Brentford defender Ben Mee has been singing the praises of Bryan Mbuemo and Yoane Wissa who have starred this season.

Mbuemo is having his best scoring campaign in the Premier League, netting 15 goals for the Bees.

And Wissa is only one behind, scoring 14 after taking on the striker role following Ivan Toney's departure.

Their teammate Mee told talkSPORT this morning: "They're two top-class strikers. Since I've been at the club, they've developed so much.

"Bryan especially, I always talk about how he was good in one game and then two or three off games.

"But last season he got better at that, got injured and this season he's been flying, he's stepped it up a level.

"Wissa was in and out of the team a bit more, playing left wing because Ivan [Toney] was playing up front.

"He doesn't stop and he doesn't stop in training either. He's a top player and he's getting the goals now which is amazing for the hard work he puts in."

Mee also spoke about Brentford's goals for the end of the season and revealed they're pushing for a place in Europe.

He said: "We want to try and get in those European places. The manager is very open about that.

"We're in an okay position at the minute [11th], but we want to push for more, we're safe this season and we want to build on that.

"We've got a good squad, we can go for more I think."

26th Mar 2025, 10:01By Jack Johnson

Emotional message

Former Premier League manager Aidy Boothroyd has opened up about his secret battle with Parkinson's.

Boothroyd, who managed England U21s for five years, released a statement through the League Managers Association.

His statement read: “Three years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's.

“The news came as a massive shock to me, following what I expected to be my routine LMA Annual Health Assessment.

“It has taken me time to feel ready to share my diagnosis, and I have found it difficult not being completely open with people.

“Personally, my passion and love for coaching is as strong as ever, I am focusing on keeping physically fit, which is key to slowing down the progression of Parkinson's.

“I am ready to start the next chapter in my life. I would like to thank the LMA and Parkinson's UK for their support."

LMA CEO Richard Bevan added: “Aidy has displayed incredible positivity, resolve and determination since his Parkinson’s diagnosis three years ago.

"His passion for football and people drives him on and he continues to play an active role in the LMA, as an almost ever-present senior member at our events and educational sessions.

"We care deeply for all our members, and Aidy’s attitude since his diagnosis has been an inspiration to our entire team as we continue to support him and his family throughout this unexpected and challenging time.”

26th Mar 2025, 09:42By Jack Johnson

'How can you turn that down?'

Gabby Agbonlahor has criticised some Liverpool fans for their hostile reaction to Trent Alexander-Arnold's move.

Alexander-Arnold has split the Reds fanbase after deciding to leave Anfield to join Real Madrid on a free this summer.

However, Agbonlahor believes his decision is the right one and laid out the reasons why the right-back will have chosen to leave.

He said on talkSPORT Breakfast: "I think anybody that says anything negative about this decision is an idiot basically.

"Any Liverpool fan out there, any other fanbase...Trent has won every trophy for his boyhood club. He's got a chance to play at the biggest club in the world who have won 15 Champions Leagues.

"How can you turn that down?

"You're going to play with Mbappe, you're going to play with your mate Jude Bellingham from England at a historic club.

"Obviously, Liverpool are a very historic club, but Real Madrid, you just do not turn them down, it doesn't matter who you are.

"Players in the past that maybe have said that they have, they're lying. Real Madrid probably didn't want them. Anyone who gets the offer from Real Madrid, you go.

"Trent would never leave for any club in the Premier League, wouldn't leave for AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, wouldn't leave for Bayern Munich...I don't think he'd leave for Barcelona even with how big they are.

"Real Madrid, you don't turn them down. Football aside, lifestyle - Jude Bellingham will be telling him everything, the lifestyle as a Real Madrid player."

26th Mar 2025, 09:15By Jack Johnson

Unwanted history

It has been a bleak night for Brazil...

A team that featured Wolves' Matheus Cunha and Andre, Nottingham Forest's Murillo and Newcastle's Joelinton were thrashed.

They were beaten 4-1 by Argentina and made some unwanted history in the process, conceding four goals in a World Cup Qualifier for the first time ever.

Brazil lost to the reigning World Cup winners who were without Lionel Messi who sat out of this international break.

Instead, it was Premier League stars Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez who starred.

Centre-back Marquinhos said post-match: "What we did here can't happen again. It's hard to talk about it in the heat of the moment. It's embarrassing.

"We started the game badly, far below what we could do and they're on a great run of confidence. They knew how to play smart.

"I'm sorry for our fans."

Furious Raphinha held back as Argentina players make him pay for pre-match comments

25th Mar 2025, 23:10By Jake Lambourne

Grounds for concern

There may be a sky full of stars at Wembley in September, but there will be a pitch full of stars two hours north.

England are set to host Andorra on September 6 for a World Cup qualifier as the road to the United States, Mexico and Canada heats up.

Traditionally, the Three Lions play their international matches at the Wembley.

However, The SunreportsEngland's World Cup qualifier against Andorra will be played at Villa Park.

It would be the first time since a 2005 friendly against the Netherlands England's senior men's have played at the home of Premier League clubAston Villa.

The reason why England will have to play at what Villa fans would describe as their paradise is because British band Coldplay are due to play a whopping ten dates at Wembley from August 22 to September 8.

It means England are likely to require an alternative venue, with Villa Park reported to be the first in line.

The last time England played a home match outside of Wembley was on June 3 in 2024 as they beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-0 at St James' Park in Newcastle.

25th Mar 2025, 22:28By Jake Lambourne

Ode to joy

Martin Odegaard delivered a captain's performance for Norway in their 4-2 win away at Israel in Tuesday night's World Cup qualifier.

The 26-year-old chipped in with hat-trick of assists as he deservedly scooped the man of the match award.

Odegaard's through ball for left-back David Moller Wolfe in the 39th minute saw the visitors break the deadlock at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Hungary.

After Israel equalised through Mohammad Abu Fani in the second half, Alexander Sorloth headed Norway back in front after getting on the end of Odegaard's whipped in corner.

Kristoffer Ajer then made it 3-1 to the Scandinavian outfit, before Erling Haaland grabbed his customary goal - his 40th for Norway on his 41st cap.

The Manchester City striker was found by Odegaard's delicate pass, with the towering centre-forward making no mistake with a close-range finish.

And Arsenal fans will be hoping their skipper continues his fine form into the final part of the season with matches against Fulham, Everton and Real Madrid on the horizon.

25th Mar 2025, 22:08By Jake Lambourne

Wale I never!

David Brooks rescued a dramatic point for Wales in their 1-1 World Cup qualifier away at North Macedonia.

The Bournemouth star equalised in the sixth minute of stoppage time to maintain Crag Bellamy's unbeaten start in charge of The Dragons.

Wales looked to be heading for defeat after Bojan Miovski capitalised on a loose pass from Joe Allen to fire the hosts ahead a minute into second half injury time.

But they failed to hold on for all three points as Brooks earned Wales a share of the spoils following his last-gasp volley.

The result leaves Wales on four points from their opening two World Cup qualifiers.

For boss Bellamy, it's a record-extending eighth game without defeat in charge of Wales having now won and drawn four matches apiece.

25th Mar 2025, 21:40By Jake Lambourne

Cris Cross

Cristian Romero is claimed to be ready to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer as Atletico Madrid eye up a potential move.

The 26-year-old has become a firm fan favourite at Spurs since joining on an initial loan deal in 2021.

But according to the Daily Mail, the defender is open to leaving north London should Ange Postecoglou's men fail to secure Champions League football.

Spurs look unlikely to secure a European Cup spot through Premier League qualification, as they sit in 14th spot with nine games remaining - 15 points off the top four.

Their only chance of competing in Europe's premier competition next season lies in winning the Europa League.

But should they fail to do so, it has been said that Romero could be interested in exploring a move away.

And Atletico are reportedly monitoring his situation ahead of a possible swoop.

25th Mar 2025, 20:58By Jake Lambourne

Hammer time

West Ham are reportedly eyeing up a summer move for Sunderland starlet Chris Rigg.

The 17-year-old has been one of the standout players in the Championship this season having chipped in with four goals and one assist in 34 games.

And according to The Telegraph, the Hammers are lining up a move for the teenager as Graham Potter looks to bolster his midfield.

It has been reported that West Ham's rivals Tottenham are also keeping tabs on the youngster.

But it is the east London outfit that have put themselves in a strong position should they wish to formalise their interest.

talkSPORT revealed in February how Manchester United has sent scouts to watch Rigg, with INEOS viewing him as an affordable young player with future sell-on potential.

25th Mar 2025, 20:28By Jake Lambourne

No impact

Trent Alexander-Arnold's switch to Real Madrid will have no impact on Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk's future.

That's the view of ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy, who has had his say on the current contract dilemma at Anfield.

Alexander-Arnold is understood to have agreed a pre-contract agreement to join Los Blancos this summer, and Liverpool fans now fear for the futures of Van Dijk and Salah, who are also a few months away from becoming free agents.

Speaking on Drive, Murphy was asked whether Alexander-Arnold's impending exit will enter Van Dijk and Salah's thinking about whether to sign new deals.

To which he said: "I don't see that, because they are both senior players who have probably already chosen what they are going to be doing.

"They'll have spoken to their family, they'll have different ideas on what they want for the last couple of years of their career.

"Mo Salah is a very different person to Virgil, I don't see them thinking, 'Ooh Trent is going, now I'm going to change my mind.'

"They're stronger characters than that, I think if you're maybe 26/27 and you're looking at the direction that the club is going and all of a sudden, let's say Virgil saw Salah and Trent go four years ago.

"Maybe then you start thinking a bit differently, but not at the age they are."

25th Mar 2025, 19:48By Jake Lambourne

Gunning for glory

Darren Bent has had his say on the 'club vs country' argument - and it's not even a debate for him.

talkSPORT fans recently had their say on the age-old question, with 82 per cent from over 500 respondents backing club glory over national team success.

And it's the same view shared by Arsenal fan Bent, who scored four goals in 13 Three Lions appearances, who would rather the Gunners would any form of silverware over England.

Drive co-host Andy Goldstein insisted country success would mean more to him than his beloved Manchester United lifting trophies.

Labelling Goldstein as 'nuts', Bent then stated: "I want to feel euphoria for north London - and the red part of it."

Goldstein replied by asking Bent would he would take Arsenal winning the Champions League if it meant England would never win another game, to which he said: "Yeah, that's fine with me."

He then questioned Bent as to whether he would rather Arsenal win the League Cup or Europa Conference League over England ending their 59-year wait for a major tournament.

Immediately responding, Bent simply stated: "Anything. Anything. I promise you, League Cup, Conference League, anything."

Bent later clarified that his view is coming from a fan's perspective, saying: "But as a player, I'd take England over anything, I'd win the World Cup over any competition.

"To win the treble as a player or win the World Cup, I'm taking the World Cup, as a player. The World Cup is the pinnacle, but as a fan (club over country)..."