Football news LIVE: Man United push for Hojlund, Rice and Timber to have Arsenal medicals today, new Saliba contract

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Updated: 10:44, 7 Jul 2023

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Neil Warnock has joked to talkSPORT that he would leave Huddersfield ‘like a shot’ if he was offered a job in Saudi Arabia.
The legendary gaffer says the only reason players and coaches are moving out to the Middle East is for the money.
But admits he wouldn’t turn down the pay day if ond was offered to him!
“Saudi is just about money – there’s nothing else is there,” he told Alan Brazil on this morning’s talkSPORT Breakfast.
“You go there is you’te struggling for a job anywhere else.”
Then, asked if he’d go there for £25million, he replied with a deadpan delivery: “Yeah, I would yeah.
“Haha!
“I’d leave Huddersfield tomorrow like a shot!”
It’s a big day for Arsenal and Declan Rice today, with the West Ham captain due for his medical ahead of his £105million move to the Emirates Stadium.
However, Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke insists the Gunners are overpaying for the England midfielder.
The Premier League icon says Rice isn’t worth that nine-figure sum and insists United got a better deal by landing his best mate Mason Mount for £60m.
“There’s a clear reason why Man City backed out of the Declan Rice signing – they don’t think he’s worth £105m,” said Yorke speaking to BoyleSports who offer the latest Premier League odds here. “But that’s the nature of business in football nowadays, it’s a billion-pound industry.
“If Arsenal’s owners have deep pockets and are willing to spend that money, then let them. West Ham’s valuation of Rice probably comes from Enzo Fernandez’s price, plus he’s English so that adds on a few million.
“I understand why Rice is built up the way he is, he’s an English international and he does really good things in the game, but £105m is a lot of money.
“Mason Mount for £60m is 100 per cent a better deal than Rice for £105m.
“Mount will score more goals, obviously they’re different positions so it’s harder to compare, but Mount is as talented as anyone else.”
Joao Felix’s future at Atletico Madrid has been placed further in doubt after the club gave his shirt number to Antoine Griezmann.
Griezmann has worn the No.8 shirt since his return to the club from Barcelona, but now reclaims his old number he rose to fame wearing before his move to the Nou Camp.
Felix had worn the No.7 shirt ever since his £112million arrival from Benfica, but has now had it stripped from him amid the doubts over whether he’ll play for the club again.
The Portuguese has fallen out with Diego Simeone, with the player making it clear he no longer wants to work with the long-term Atleti boss.
He spent part of last season at Chelsea, and although he impressed with several bright performances, he did not do enough to convince the Blues to sign him permanently.
And so Felix’s career is currently in limbo, with the 23-year-old currently without a squad number at his current club and no obvious route out of Atletico in sight.

Manchester United are ready to step up their interest in Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, talkSPORT understands.
Erik ten Hag has made a new number nine a priority this summer and United believe Danish international Hojlund, 20, is the most affordable option.
The Red Devils have already held initial talks with Atalanta over a potential fee and will target a second Serie A raid after concluding negotiations with Inter Milan for goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Ten Hag began the summer targetting Harry Kane but United backed away after Tottenham made it clear they would not sell to a Premier League rival.
talkSPORT revealed earlier this month that United would need to sell to buy due to FFP restrictions.
Goalkeeper Dean Henderson, a £30m target for Nottingham Forest, Fred and Anthony Elanga are the most likely departures.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will expect to keep Harry Kane, according to ex-Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan.
Bayern Munich are set to launch another bid for the Spurs superstar after an initial £67million offer was rejected.
Kane, 29, has one year left on his current deal, but Jordan does not think Levy will budge…
“Bayern Munich will have to move heaven and earth to get Kane for £80m to £100m!” 😱
“I think Levy thinks he can keep Kane!” 👀
Simon Jordan believes Bayern Munich will struggle to afford #THFC‘s Harry Kane. 😬 pic.twitter.com/ZUidqRZtbl
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) July 6, 2023
Arsenal fans have been branded ‘baffling’ for their feelings towards midfielder Granit Xhaka.
The Switzerland international left the Gunners for Bayer Leverkusen in a £20million deal on Thursday.
It sparked a widespread outpouring of emotion from the club and its supporters, who largely wished Xhaka well.
The 30-year-old rebuilt his relationship with the Arsenal faithful after swearing at jeering fans and throwing the captain’s armband to the ground during a match against Crystal Palace in 2019.
But talkSPORT pundit Rory Jennings insists his behaviour at the Emirates that day was ‘unforgivable’…
“What Xhaka did to that club is unforgivable!” 😠
“Who do you think you are!?” 🤬
“I’m baffled Arsenal fans are showing so much love to a man who treated their club with contempt!” 😤
Rory Jennings slams Xhaka and can’t understand the love from #AFC fans on his departure 😲 pic.twitter.com/rNjwQ1N6rr
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) July 6, 2023
Manchester United believe a package worth £45million will be enough to sign goalkeeper Andre Onana from Inter Milan.
The Red Devils proposed a £43m deal on Thursday after their initial offer was pushed back.
Inter value Onana at £50m but there is a willingness on both sides to complete the transfer.
The 27-year-old is keen on a move to Old Trafford after working under manager Erik ten Hag at Ajax.
Arsenal are set for a busy day with three major pieces of business close to being announced.
Midfielder Declan Rice will undergo a medical on Friday ahead of a club-record £105million move from West Ham.
Defender Jurrien Timber will also complete medical tests today after the Gunners struck a £40m deal with Ajax.
Meanwhile, Gunners centre-back William Saliba has signed a new contract which is expected to be announced imminently.
That’s it for today on talkSPORT.com’s football news blog.
We’ll be back in the morning with the latest on all the big football stories.

Robin Koch has started the expected exodus at Leeds following relegation from the Premier League by joining Eintracht Frankfurt on loan for the 2023/24 campaign.
The 26-year-old German defender spent three seasons at Elland Road, making 77 appearances.
Koch said on Instagram: “Dear LUFC fans, at this point I look back on three wonderful and exciting years in Leeds.
“To play for Leeds United and in front of you unforgettable fans, to defend for these colours, to celebrate with you, to even lead the team onto the pitch as captain, was a special honor and pleasure during the last three seasons.
“All the moments I have experienced together with you and especially at Elland Road, great victories and bitter defeats, have made me the person I am today.
“These are impressions and feelings that cannot be put into words and that have made me very proud and happy that my path as a professional footballer has led me to this club. I have taken Leeds United into my heart.
“I have met many, many great people here up to this point, and my greatest thanks go to them. To all the people in charge at the club, all the staff, my coaches, my teammates and, of course, you fans!
“I wish the club, the city and all of you only the best and hope that you will remember me well. I will definitely do so. Thanks for everything so far! Yours Robin.”
Marco Reus has ended his five-year spell as Borussia Dortmund captain.
“Hello BVB fans, It is very important for me to tell you something personally,” he told the club’s media channels.
“I had a lot to think about during my vacation, and I have decided to pass on the captain’s armband.
“I informed Edin Terzic and Sebastian Kehl about this yesterday. I was allowed to wear this armband for five years with pride and honour.
“Thank you for your support over the years. I wish Sebastian and Edin that they find a good successor. I am sure they will succeed.”
Bayer Leverkusen have announced the signing of Granit Xhaka from Arsenal.
Xhaka leaves Arsenal after seven years of service, joining the German side in a reported deal worth £21.5million.
Simon Jordan doubts Bayern Munich will be able to afford Harry Kane.
The Tottenham star has been linked with a move away, with Manchester United and Bayern the clubs most linked with him.
But Jordan believes Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will demand between £80-100million for the striker.
“Bayern Munich will have to move heaven and earth to get Kane for £80m to £100m!” 😱
“I think Levy thinks he can keep Kane!” 👀
Simon Jordan believes Bayern Munich will struggle to afford #THFC‘s Harry Kane. 😬 pic.twitter.com/ZUidqRZtbl
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) July 6, 2023
Atletico Madrid have confirmed the signing of Cesar Azpilicueta from Chelsea.
The Spanish defender has signed a one-year deal at the Wanda Metropolitano. He will link up with his new teammates for their first day of pre-season training tomorrow.
Azpilicueta leaves Stamford Bridge after 11 years of service.
Arsenal have announced the departure of former captain Granit Xhaka.
The Swiss midfielder has left the Premier League after seven years to return to the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen.
Xhaka made 297 appearances in a Gunners shirt, scoring 23 goals and assisting 29 times.
And he’ll be remembered for one of the Premier League’s great redemption arcs, with the midfielder coming back from fan boos and being on the cusp of an exit a few years ago to becoming one of the club’s key players once again.
“Everyone at Arsenal thanks Granit for his contribution during his seven years with us and wish him and his family the best of health and happiness in the future,” read a club statement.
Mikel Arteta added: “We are saying goodbye to a fantastic player and person loved by all of us. It has been an incredible journey together for him and he has given absolutely everything for this club. The influence Granit has had on his team mates on the pitch and colleagues at the club, will tell you just how popular he is.
“We cannot thank Granit enough for his service and contribution to this club over the years. We wish Granit and his family all the best in the next step of their lives.”
297 appearances. 23 goals. 29 assists. Two FA Cups. And one inspirational story.
Granit Xhaka: forever a part of the Arsenal family ❤️ pic.twitter.com/gbgRVicFiM
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 6, 2023

Manchester United are preparing a bid for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, according to reports.
The Daily Telegraph claim United boss Erik ten Hag is hoping the young Denmark frontman will join the club to lead the line at Old Trafford.
The club’s delayed takeover means the Red Devils are currently working with a limited budget, but it is reported United are hoping to land Hojlund for around the £50million mark.
The 20-year-old is highly rated and tipped for a big future, but having scored just nine league goals in 32 Serie A games last season, there will be doubts over whether he is ready to spearhead Manchester United’s attack.
Reiss Nelson says he didn’t want to miss Arsenal going to the ‘next level’ as he signed a new four-year deal at the Emirates Stadium.
The 23-year-old came through the ranks with the Gunners but his previous contract had expired before he agreed new terms, which include a one-year option.
Nelson made eight substitute appearances in the Premier League last season and scored a memorable last-gasp goal that saw the Gunners come from 2-0 down to beat Bournemouth 3-2.
Mikel Arteta’s side ultimately fell short in their title bid as Manchester City pipped them to the crown, but Nelson saw enough to believe there is more to come.
“I’m kind of lost for words, if I’m honest,” Nelson told the club’s official website upon signing his deal.
“I’ve been here since I was eight, I’m 23 now. It’s been a hell of a journey, and I’m just so happy. I’ve been here the good years and bad years, and last year especially.
“I’ve seen the rise that Arsenal have taken. Taking them to new heights and I feel like I want to be part of the journey.
“I want to be part of us going to the next level, which I think the boss, Edu, the backroom staff and the new players and the current players are making.
“So it was a train I really didn’t want to miss and I want to be here for it, so I’m glad that I made the right decision.”
Manchester United have tabled an improved offer for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana.
talkSPORT understands the Red Devils have bid £43million, including add-ons.
United are growing in confidence and the feeling is still that a package worth £45m will get the deal done.
United boss Erik ten Hag is the one driving this deal to be done after David de Gea’s contract expired.
Ivan Perisic is close to sealing a move from Tottenham back to Croatia with Hajduk Split.
The winger/full-back has only been a Spurs player for a year, having joined in a free transfer last summer after his contract at Inter Milan expired.
He was brought to north London to be reunited with his former manager Antonio Conte, and managed one goal and 12 assists in 44 appearances last season.
But after Conte’s exit midway through the season, Perisic’s future at the club was uncertain.
And now Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports the 34-year-old is set to cancel his Tottenham contract and return to Split – where he began his career as a youngster.
Christian Pulisic’s proposed move from Chelsea to AC Milan is yet to be agreed, with the two clubs still apart with their valuation of the player.
The United States international is surplus to requirements under Mauricio Pochettino and has also been the subject of interest from Ligue 1 side Lyon.
The French side have offered something closer to Chelsea’s valuation but it is believed the 24-year-old favours a move to San Siro.
Levi Colwill will not be leaving Chelsea this summer, despite continued interest from Liverpool and Brighton.
The Blues are not willing to entertain offers for the 20-year-old defender, who starred for England Under-21s as they beat Israel 3-0 on Wednesday to advance to the European Championship final in Georgia.
He is currently contracted to Chelsea until the summer of 2024 with an option of another year if certain criteria are met.
Colwill spent last season on loan at Brighton where he made 22 appearances and established himself as a Premier League player as the Seagulls qualified for Europe.
Brighton had been keen to sign the defender permanently, but it is understood Chelsea are not prepared to listen to offers, including from Jurgen Klopp’s side who reportedly made a fresh enquiry this week.

Ashley Young has emerged as a surprise target for Premier League newcomers Luton.
The Hatters have explored the possibility of signing former England defender Young, who turns 38 on Sunday, in a bid to add top-flight experience to their squad.
Given he started his career at the Hatters’ arch-rivals Watford, Young could be forgiven if he was reluctant to make the switch to Kenilworth Road.
Young is a free agent after leaving Aston Villa.
Atletico Madrid have now confirmed the arrival of Cesar Azpilicueta from Chelsea.
The Spanish defender has signed a one-year contract with the LaLiga outfit, after the Blues agreed to end his contract to allow their captain to move back to his homeland.
After Azpi’s emotional farewell earlier, Chelsea fans may not enjoy seeing him in another club’s kit.
Sorry, Blues!
Everton are hoping to cash in on Leeds’ Premier League relegation by snapping up winger Willy Gnonto.
Italian speedster Gnonto is looking to leave Elland Road and the Toffees believe they can land the 19-year-old for a bargain fee.
Gnonto cost Leeds just £4m from Swiss side FC Zurich last summer, but showed his qualities with four Premier League goals and a string of eye-catching performances.
Leeds are under pressure to sell after dropping into the Championship, although Gnonto is not believed to be among a number of their players with relegation release clauses in their contract.
The youngster – who made the 2023 Golden Boy long list – also has interest from Serie A although his preference is to stay in the Premier League.
The talkSPORT notebook revealed earlier this year that Chelsea have been keeping tabs on Gnonto, the youngest player to score for the Italy national team.
Dwight Yorke has called Manchester United ‘disrespectful’ for their treatment of David de Gea.
The Old Trafford legend has warned his old club they are taking a big risk by letting the goalkeeper go this summer and trying to sign a replacement who is unproven in the Premier League.
And he has told United to ‘be careful what they wish for’ in deciding not to extend De Gea’s contract.
“The David de Gea situation is a bit disrespectful from Manchester United but they also have the right to do it,” Yorke told BoyleSports.
“You never want to end your long career at such a big club, in turmoil. I understand how these football clubs work, but I also sympathise with the player.
“Man United have to be careful what they wish for. You don’t win the Golden Glove if you’re not a good goalkeeper. I know he’s made mistakes and some of them at crucial times, but who doesn’t do that?
“I don’t think the goalkeepers that Man United want are anywhere near as good as De Gea, so they need to be careful what they wish for. Dean Henderson might be given a chance while De Gea is still there, but changing a keeper could come back to bite Man United.
“It’s a bigger risk to bring in any of the goalkeepers Man United are looking at than to stick with De Gea.
“Outside of Thibaut Courtois and a couple of others, there are no proper world-class goalkeepers and even they can make mistakes.”