Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has underlined his determination to keep Wesley Fofana and James Maddison, amid interest from Chelsea and Newcastle United.
The Foxes have already lost captain Kasper Schmeichel to Nice and have reportedly refused a number of offers from Newcastle for Maddison, while Chelsea are said to be targeting a swoop for Fofana.
Both players have been reported to be open to a move before the transfer window closes on September 1; however, speaking ahead of Leicester's Premier League opener against Brentford, Rodgers made it clear he does not want to lose either man.
"I hope not, I hope we want to keep them. I mentioned before, these players are not for sale, they are very important players for us," Rodgers told a news conference.
"Obviously there's a situation at the club where we need to move some players out, but it's not getting rid of anyone and everyone, especially our best assets.
"You don't want to lose your top players and this is something that the club are very strong on. At this moment in time, the guys you mentioned, certainly James and Wesley, are training very well, working very hard and getting ready for our game on Sunday."
Asked whether there was a monetary figure that would mean the likes of Fofana and Maddison being allowed to leave, Rodgers conceded it may be out of his hands.
"That will be up to the club. The club have been outstanding here in their work in the market, so for me, I'm football, and we'll concentrate on whilst they're here, any player, to help and improve the team," he added.
Leicester are the only club in the Premier League yet to make an addition in the transfer market ahead of the new season, and Rodgers said that it is unlikely to change in the final weeks of the window.
"As things stand, I believe not. I mentioned that before, it's a repetitive message at this moment in time, there's nobody imminent coming in. The concentration has purely been on the players that are here," he said.
"I think we can do well in the Premier League. Any manager will always want an improvement in their squad, I think that's only natural, but it's not the case and I respect the club's position.
"The club have been outstanding for me in my time here, supported me in whatever I've wanted to do and, at this time, I need to support them. It's a situation that's unfortunate.
"I don't need to fight with anyone, I just need to concentrate on the players I have. I would have loved to improve the squad, but there is time, if things change, but at this moment in time, all the focus is going into the players who are fit and available, getting them in the best condition possible."
Sheikh Jassim wants answer by Friday after submitting final bid for Man Utd
Sheikh Jassim has submitted an improved fifth and final bid for Manchester United – and wants an answer by Friday, the PA news agency understands.
The club announced in November that the board was exploring strategic alternatives to enhance the club’s growth, with a full sale one option being considered.
Current owners, the Glazer family, are said to value United at £6billion and the Raine Group was brought in to oversee the process.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim both publicly confirmed initial offers after the February 17 soft deadline for expressions of interest, then another by the second deadline of March 22.
That was eventually extended by a few days and Raine asked interested parties for their third and final bids on April 28.
Talk has increased over the subsequent 40 days that Ratcliffe and INEOS have emerged as favourites to take over at United, despite Sheikh Jassim placing a fourth bid last month.
Now the PA news agency understands the Qataris this week lodged a fifth and final bid, along with sending a warning that patience is wearing thin.
The fifth offer remains for 100 per cent of the club and Sheikh Jassim’s bid team have set Friday as a deadline to make headway in discussions.
While Sheikh Jassim’s offer is understood to remain after that point, the end of the week would mark the end of their ongoing engagement in the process.
This is a crunch period on and off the field for United, who won the Carabao Cup, finished third in the Premier League and lost Saturday’s FA Cup final in Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge.
Co-owner Avram Glazer was at Wembley for Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City and ignored questions about the takeover as he left through the interview area.
Asked about the potential takeover and summer improvements, United boss Ten Hag said: “I think in this moment I don’t want to discuss that.
“It’s about finalising the season. We have to be quiet, analyse the season, go into the depth, then set the right conclusions and then take action. It’s about that.
“Of course, during the season you continually make your considerations and already some actions are into process.
“But, yeah, now the season is finished and the conclusion all over is we played a brilliant season.”
Ukraine appoint former Tottenham and West Ham striker Serhiy Rebrov as new boss
Serhiy Rebrov, the former Tottenham and West Ham striker, has been appointed as head coach of Ukraine.
The 49-year-old has enjoyed a varied managerial career, with spells in charge of Dinamo Kyiv, Al-Ahli, Ferencvaros and most recently Al-Ain.
Former Ukraine striker Rebrov, who won 75 caps as a player, has now taken the reins of his national team on a deal until 2026.
Ukrainian Football Association chief Andriy Pavelko said: “This is a long-awaited event. A new stage in the history of Ukrainian football.
“A special moment, since the new page will be written during martial law, in a special period for our country.”
Rebrov takes charge of a Ukraine side looking to kickstart their Euro 2024 qualification hopes having lost their opener against England in March.
Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka scored in a 2-0 win at Wembley, where the visitors were managed by interim boss Ruslan Rotan.
Rebrov’s first game will be at North Macedonia next Friday, before playing Malta three days later – a match that will be hosted in Trnava, Slovakia due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Pavelko added: “We will expect from our national team, a game that will please Ukrainian fans.”
Football rumours: Tottenham eye move for Harry Maguire in bid to keep Harry Kane
What the papers say
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, 30, has emerged as a target for Tottenham, according to The Daily Telegraph. The London club are hoping the signing could help persuade his England colleague Harry Kane to stay at the club as big-name clubs line up for his signature.
Maguire is one of eight players United are looking to move on this summer, reports the Daily Mirror. Striker Anthony Martial, 27, Scott McTominay, 26, fellow midfielder Fred, 30, and goalkeeper Dean Henderson, 26, are also on the list, along with defenders Eric Bailly, 29, Alex Telles, 30, and Brandon Williams, 22.
Brighton want more than £70 million for Manchester United target Moises Caicedo, says The Daily Telegraph. Chelsea and Arsenal are also chasing the 21-year-old Ecuador midfielder.
Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante, 32, is wanted by two clubs in Saudi Arabia, according to The Guardian. Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr are keen on the France star with annual salary offers which could reach £86.2 million.
Social media round-upPlayers to watch
Levi Colwill: The Daily Mail reports Brighton are considering an increased bid of around £40 million for the Chelsea defender, who spent last season on loan at The Seagulls.
Gabri Veiga: Chelsea have joined Liverpool and Barcelona in tracking the Celta Vigo midfielder, 21, who has a £34.4 million release clause, says The Guardian.
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