Inter Milan reach Romelu Lukaku agreement with Chelsea

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has vowed to hit top form both in the Premier League and in Europe for Manchester United this season.

The Armenia international has enjoyed a strong start to 2017-18, registering one goal and five assists in his side s first six league matches.

It marks a stark contrast to Mkhitaryan s fortunes at the start of last season following his move from Borussia Dortmund, with manager Jose Mourinho dropping him from the side for several weeks after a poor display in the Manchester derby defeat at Old Trafford in October.

Mkhitaryan won back his place but reserved his best performances for the Europa League, scoring six times – including in the 2-0 final win over Ajax.

However, when it was suggested to the 28-year-old on Tuesday that his form …

Gareth Southgate has the full support of the Football Association after chair Debbie Hewitt provided an impassioned defence of the high IQ and emotionally intelligent England manager.

England have made it to the World Cup semi-finals and Euro 2020 showpiece under Southgate, the latter of which the Three Lions first final appearance at a major tournament in 55 years.

But pressure has mounted after a dismal start to their Nations League campaign in June, losing to Hungary twice either side of draws with Germany and Italy to leave England in danger of relegation.

The most recent 4-0 thrashing to Hungary was the first time England have lost a home match by four or more goals since March 1928, when they lost 5-1 to Scotland.

Hungary also became the first t…

Captain Millie Bright is confident England will emerge a stronger side after processing the gut-wrenching reality of finishing as World Cup runners-up.

The Lionesses overcame obstacles and disproved doubters over the expanded month-long competition, which for the first time saw 32 teams whittled down to two, Spain and England, who were both making their debuts in the showpiece final.

Olga Carmona’s first-half strike in Sydney proved enough to send La Roja home with the trophy, while England were reminded that football can be a game of cruel inches after Lauren Hemp’s near-opener pinged off the crossbar.

Summing up a special journey…

— Lionesses (@Lionesses)

Bright said: “The mentality has always been there. The character has…

Charlotte FC have confirmed defender Anton Walkes died following an accident on Thursday.

The former Tottenham academy player was 25.

Walkes, who was born in London, had played in MLS since 2020, when he joined Atlanta United after leaving Portsmouth.

He moved to Charlotte for the 2022 season after being selected in the 2021 MLS expansion draft. He made 23 league appearances in his debut season.

We are deeply saddened to share that Anton Walkes has tragically passed away this morning.

May he rest in peace.

— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC)

Following his shock death, Charlotte paid tribute to the family man.

Everyone at [the club] is devastated by the tragic passing of Anton Walkes, Owner David Tepper said in a statement. H…

Jadon Sancho s proposed move to Manchester United is seemingly close to being confirmed after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer suggested only small details are preventing an announcement.

United revealed a deal had been agreed with Borussia Dortmund for the transfer of Sancho at the end of June, with Stats Perform understanding the fee involved to be £72.9million.

That will make the England international United s fourth most expensive player after Paul Pogba, Harry Maguire and Romelu Lukaku.

United, who had been keen on Sancho last year, said at the time that the winger s medical and personal terms would be completed after his involvement in Euro 2020.

England s run to the final subsequently delayed completion of the deal, though Solskjaer suggested it will not be …

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has hinted he will hand some players Champions League auditions as they close an unsuccessful campaign against Feyenoord.

Celtic have one point from five games and a 2-0 defeat against Lazio last time out consigned them to bottom spot and the Dutch champions to third place in Group E.

Rodgers has handed rare starts to Tomoki Iwata, Mikey Johnston and Oh Hyeon-gyu in the past two domestic games and he will partly use Wednesday’s match to continue assessing his January transfer window needs.

Rodgers, who will again be without Cameron Carter-Vickers and Daizen Maeda, said: “Because of the situation we have with injuries and with all the games, it will give the opportunity for players to play.

“When we reach January, a lot…

Victor Osimhen is winning plenty of admirers at Serie A leaders Napoli having netted a league-high 19 goals.

The 24-year-old Nigeria forward joined Napoli in 2020 and is under contract until 2025.

But the Partenopei will have their work cut out keeping Osimhen that long, even if they will reportedly ask for more than €100million to let him go.

TOP STORY – OSIMHEN IS UNITED S PRIORITY STRIKER TARGET

Osimhen is top of Manchester United s four-man striker shortlist, according to Football Insider.

United boss Erik ten Hag has identified Osimhen as his preferred off-season signing to bolster their front line.

According to the report, United wants three major off-season signings to maintain the momentum gained this campaign, including adding…

With Europe s elite turning their attention back to domestic duties this weekend, we have another stacked schedule on our hands. So, for those of you looking to stick on a Saturday acca, we have a handful of helpful tips that are worth keeping an eye on.

Saturday September 10th
BST 15:00 Sheffield United vs Rotherham

While Sheffield United might have suffered play-off heartbreak last season, the Blades have shown no signs of a hangover since opening the 2022/23 campaign. In the midst of what has become a Championship purple patch, Paul Heckingbottom s men have a Premier League return at the top of their agenda this time around. Last seen putting in another impressive display as they picked up a 2-0 victory away at Hull, Saturday s hosts open this weekend s fixtures h…

Former AC Milan and Brazil star Kaka has announced his retirement from professional football.

Kaka revealed his intention to leave Orlando City when his contract expired this month, and the 35-year-old has opted against continuing his career elsewhere.

His decision comes 10 years to the day since he won the Ballon d Or, having helped Milan to Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup glory in 2007.

Kaka began his career at Sao Paulo in 2001 and was part of Brazil s World Cup-winning squad under Luiz Felipe Scolari a year later in Japan and South Korea.

After three seasons in Sao Paulo s first team he was snapped up Milan in 2003, joining a team that included the likes of Cafu, Paolo Maldini, Clarence Seedorf and Andrea Pirlo.

The languid…

Wales boss Ryan Giggs lauded Harry Wilson for his exceptional free-kick against the Republic of Ireland, joking that he fined the youngster for scoring a similar goal against Manchester United earlier in the season.

Wilson s sensational set-piece strike proved the difference in Dublin on Tuesday, as Wales moved top of their Nations League group with a 1-0 victory.

The Liverpool winger  on loan at Derby County in the Championship  scored an equally as impressive free-kick against Giggs former club United in the EFL Cup in September, and the Wales manager was delighted to see Wilson continue his form on the international stage.

Harry Wilson, I fined him for the goal at Old Trafford a few weeks ago, I won t be tonight! Giggs joked to Sky Sports.

He d…