Man Utd: Romano reveals two ‘cheaper options’ in midfield with ‘top target’ costing ‘crazy money’

Newcastle have confirmed midfielder Sandro Tonali is being investigated by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and Italian Football Federation for breaching betting rules.

The 23-year-old Italy international was withdrawn from his country’s squad prior to the Euro 2024 qualifying defeat to England at Wembley on Tuesday night and his club have released a statement to say he is co-operating with the enquiry.

The Premier League club said: “Newcastle United can confirm that Sandro Tonali is subject to investigation by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in relation to illegal betting activity.

Club statement.

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC)

“Sandro is fully engaging with the investigation and will continue to …

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Juventus are set to welcome Fiorentina to the Allianz Stadium in Turin within the 22nd round of the 2022/23 Serie A campaign, as they seek to play their way past the blow recently received off the pitch.

Juventus

When it comes to Juventus, little can be said these days without reflecting on the recent 15-point deduction, received in punishment for reported financial malpractices. Without going into the matter any deeper now, it s only fair to say that coach Massimiliano Allegri and his players took a real blow which they probably didn t deserve in all this.

There s no escaping from the fact that it completely derailed the season for Juventus, who started the campaign poorly but were just recovering and making their way back tow…

Nicolo Zaniolo has apologised for Italy s failure to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar as he pledged to become a key part of Roberto Mancini s next Azzurri side.

Italy will miss a second successive World Cup this year after falling to a stunning play-off reverse to North Macedonia in March, and their misery was compounded this month when they were beaten 3-0 by Argentina at Wembley in the Finalissima.

They also won just one of their first four Nations League games, losing 5-2 to Germany last time out.

Zaniolo was absent as Mancini s men beat England on penalties to win the rearranged Euro 2020 tournament last July, and made just one appearance throughout Italy s unsuccessful World Cup qualification campaign.

The creative midfielder is desperate to be…

Liverpool are considering a move for Cardiff City goalkeeper David Marshall, .

The 29 year old was strongly linked with a move away from the South Wales side last summer after a stunning first year in the top flight, though remained with the Bluebirds, for whom he played thirty-two times in the Championship last season.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is keen to bring in somebody to rival current number one Simon Mignolet, with Brad Jones set to move on as his contract expires in the coming weeks and Danny Ward yet to make his debut for the club.

Marshall moved to Cardiff in the summer of 2009, and has so far racked up two hundred and twenty-eight appearances for them in all competitions.

Internationally, the former Celtic man has been capped seventeen tim…

Zinedine Zidane s storied history in the Champions League will feature a new chapter when his Real Madrid side travel to Roma for the first leg of their last-16 tie.

The World Cup-winning Frenchman scored a spectacular winning goal against Bayer Leverkusen as Madrid lifted the famous trophy in 2002 and was later Carlo Ancelotti s assistant in the club s historic 10th Champions League success during the 2013-14 campaign.

Zidane has enjoyed a strong start to management at the Santiago Bernabeu since replacing Rafael Benitez last month – dropping only two points in six La Liga games.

But Madrid s expulsion from the Copa del Rey and their four-point gap to in-form leaders Barcelona both heighten the need for a strong European finish, with French defender R…

Belgium have confirmed Kevin De Bruyne will serve as their new captain.

Manchester City star De Bruyne takes over from Eden Hazard, who announced his retirement from international football in December following Belgium s group stage exit at the 2022 World Cup.

That elimination marked the end of Roberto Martinez s time in charge, and De Bruyne will be tasked with leading the side under the stewardship of new coach Domenico Tedesco.

De Bruyne has won 97 caps for Belgium, scoring 25 goals.

DB.

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils)

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and striker Romelu Lukaku, on loan at Inter from Chelsea, have been named as vice-captains.

Belgium will begin their campaign to qualify for Euro 2024 on Friday whe…

Manchester City are capable of winning their first Champions League title this season, according to attacker Kevin De Bruyne.

City are making their maiden quarter-final appearance in the Champions League as they prepare to travel to Paris Saint-Germain for Wednesday s first leg.

While City have claimed two Premier League titles since the Abu Dhabi United Group purchased the club in 2008, lifting the Champions League trophy has been the goal for the cashed-up owners and De Bruyne believes their dreams could be realised come May, before Manuel Pellegrini is replaced by Pep Guardiola.

It s a tournament, so you never know. If the team plays at its best then we always have a chance, said De Bruyne after scoring on his return from injury as City crushed AFC Bournemout…

Simon Kjaer has challenged Milan winger Rafael Leao to grow enormously and realise his potential to be one of the top five players in the world.

Leao played a big part in the Rossoneri s first Serie A title triumph in 11 years last season and has been linked with Real Madrid.

The 23-year-old Portugal international, who has just under two years remaining on his contract, scored 14 goals and provided 10 assists across all competitions in the 2021-22 campaign.

Milan defender Kjaer wants to see Leao scale new heights, while he is also expecting big things of 22-year-old midfielder Sandro Tonali and new signing Divock Origi.

This year I want to see Leao and Tonali: they are no longer kids, they have to grow enormously, the Denmark captain told Sportweek.…

Late goals were the order of the day in Tuesday s Championship action as 10-man Birmingham City were denied by a last-gasp equaliser at Swansea City and Bolton Wanderers salvaged a point against fellow strugglers Reading.

In a topsy-turvy game, Daniel James opener for Swansea was cancelled out by Jacques Maghoma before Birmingham were hindered by a red card for Kristian Pedersen.

Oli McBurnie restored Swansea s lead but, despite their numerical disadvantage, Matt Grimes own goal and a stunning 20-yard curler from Che Adams with just under 20 minutes remaining saw Birmingham turn the match on its head.

However, just when it looked like Garry Monk had seen his side do enough to seal the points against his former team, McBurnie kept his cool to finish Mike van der H…

AS Roma attacker Paulo Dybala has been offered to Chelsea in the summer transfer window, according to . The report has claimed that Dybala, who can operate as an attacking midfielder or as a forward, is available for Chelsea for a release clause of £10.5 million. The Blues have yet to make a decision.

Dybala has been on the books of AS Roma since the summer of 2022 when he joined on a free transfer after leaving Serie A rivals Juventus. The Argentina international, who won the 2022 Qatar World Cup finals, has done well for Jose Mourinho’s side this campaign.

The 29-year-old has made 20 starts and three substitute appearances in Serie A for AS Roma this season, scoring 11 goals and providing six assists in the process. Dybala has also made seven starts and two substit…