COMMENT: It is questionable why any Scotsman would venture outside in 27 degrees of searing Italian sunshine, writes ANDY DILLON.
Proceeding to slug neat whisky from a bottle while sitting atop a roofless bus the day before meeting the Pope represents a whole new level of judgement.
Scott McTominay’s hands were probably shaking with more than nerves as he stood to meet Leo XIV while nursing a biblical hangover.
But as a young man with the world at his feet and a Serie A winner’s medal round his neck, Scottish football’s new Messiah can do whatever he likes. And besides, daft decisions have been following him around for some time.
Not least the one by his former club Manchester United, who thought it great business to flog him to Napoli for £25million last summer, having rejected a bid of £30m from West Ham because it was not enough.
But he has scored more goals this term than Rasmus Hojlund — United’s £72m striker. He also scored on the final day for Napoli, who won the Scudetto by a solitary point.
McTominay’s sale was dressed up as a financial necessity but the £42m splashed out on replacement Manuel Ugarte doesn’t look like the best trade off.
Chelsea have asked Jadon Sancho to agree to a new contract before completing a £25million transfer, according to reports.
The England international, 25, spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Stamford Bridge from Old Trafford.
Chelsea have a £25m obligation to buy Sancho in the summer transfer window.
However, they do have a £5m penalty clause to break out of the deal and escape the obligation.
Now Sky Sports News are reporting that the Blues are in negotiations with the winger’s representatives over his future.
Chelsea most likely want Sancho to stay in West London. However, Sky claim they will only sign him if he agrees to fit into the wage structure at the club.
Sancho earns a whopping £350,000 per week at United, where he has one year left on his current deal.
But part of the Todd Boehly regime is signing players on relatively low wages. Star-man Cole Palmer is on £130,000 per week.
Chelsea have asked Jadon Sancho to agree to a new contract before completing a £25million transfer, according to reports.
The England international, 25, spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Stamford Bridge from Old Trafford.
Chelsea have a £25m obligation to buy Sancho in the summer transfer window.
However, they do have a £5m penalty clause to break out of the deal and escape the obligation.
Now Sky Sports News are reporting that the Blues are in negotiations with the winger's representatives over his future.
Chelsea most likely want Sancho to stay in West London. However, Sky claim they will only sign him if he agrees to fit into the wage structure at the club.
Sancho earns a whopping £350,000 per week at United, where he has one year left on his current deal.
But part of the Todd Boehly regime is signing players on relatively low wages. Star-man Cole Palmer is on £130,000 per week.
The Portugal striker has failed to win a major trophy with Al-Nassr but topped the Saudi Pro League scoring charts two seasons in a row.
Ronaldo appeared to announce his exit on Monday ahead of his contract expiring on June 30. In a cryptic social media post, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner wrote: "This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all."
But Al-Nassr sporting director Fernando Hierro told a press conference today: "I have to be positive. I don’t think Ronaldo will leave Al-Nassr.
"In any case, we are working hard on all aspects. We will work to renew his contract so he can continue with us, and there are many clubs interested in signing him.
"He is a huge phenomenon in the history of football and has helped the league grow."
A Manchester United executive reportedly flew to Naples earlier this week to discuss a potential swap deal including Rasmus Hojlund, writes EMILLIA HAWKINS.
The Red Devils endured a disastrous 2024-25 season and are looking to offload some of their under-achievers.
And it is believed that Hojlund is at risk of the axe. The 22-year-old has scored just 10 goals in 52 appearances this season.
Head coach Ruben Amorim has been left disappointed as a result and therefore could sanction his exit.
Italian outlet Il Napolista has claimed that Hojlund could be used as part as a swap deal for Victor Osimhen.
Man Utd transfer chief Matt Hargreaves allegedly flew to Naples recently to speak toNapoliexecutives about a potential move.
The Serie A champions are understood to be keen on the prospect of signing Hojlund.
And they would be willing to part ways with Osimhen, who has spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Galatasaray.
Liam Delap's list of suitors have been informed that the Ipswich Town striker will not be joining them, with the star voicing his preference to join Chelsea instead.
Clubs including Manchester United, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest are now aware Delap will snub a move in favour of a Chelsea switch, according to The Athletic.
Delap, 22, is one of the most sought after talents in the Premier League after scoring 12 goals for Ipswich Town this season.
And his enticing £30million release clause has made him a target for top clubs across the league and Europe.
However, it now appears that the forward - who is the son of former Stoke City icon Rory Delap - has decided he wants to join Chelsea over the other clubs interested.
The Athletic report that European giants AC Milan and Juventus were included in his list of admirers.