Ivan Perisic will join Tottenham from Inter on a free transfer when his contract expires as he joins up with former Nerazzurri coach Antonio Conte.

Perisic cast doubt over his Inter future after his extra-time brace secured the Coppa Italia with a 4-2 win over Juventus earlier in the month.

The Croatia international hinted at an exit, suggesting he did not know about a potential renewal, before adding "with the important players [the club] doesn't wait until the last moment".

Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi subsequently expressed his hopes that Perisic would opt to stay with the Serie A club, as speculation persisted over the 33-year-old reuniting with former boss Conte at Spurs.

Perisic took to Instagram to confirm his departure on Tuesday, stating he leaves "feeling privileged having this club in my portfolio" before Tottenham announced their first signing of the close-season

The versatile midfielder has agreed a two-year deal with the Premier League side, who he will join on July 1 when his contract at Inter comes to an end.

Perisic has vast experience across European football, having won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal with Borussia Dortmund in 2012, before moving to Wolfsburg in 2013.

He added a second DFB-Pokal and DFL-Supercup to his trophy cabinet with Wolfsburg prior to joining Inter two years later.

Perisic, who has played 113 times for Croatia, was then sent on loan to Bayern Munich in the 2019-20 season, winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League.

He returned to Conte's Inter the following season and was utilised across a range of positions from wing-back to forward as the Nerazzurri secured the Scudetto.

Inter fell just short of Milan this season in Serie A despite Perisic scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists across all competitions, and he will now look to add Premier League honours to his illustrious haul of trophies.

LaLiga plans to take Paris Saint-Germain to court over Kylian Mbappe's contract extension, with Javier Tebas insisting he will not "allow a European club to destroy the ecosystem of European football".

World Cup winner Mbappe was widely expected to join Real Madrid when his PSG contract expired in June but instead opted to sign a new three-year deal in the French capital.

That left Madrid and LaLiga infuriated, with Tebas claiming the agreement between PSG and the France international was "an insult to football".

Vincent Labrune, president of France's Professional Football League (LFP), responded by questioning LaLiga chief Tebas' "latest attacks against Ligue 1 and one of our clubs", calling his counterpart's behaviour "completely inappropriate".

France's National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP) echoed Labrune's sentiments, suggesting Tebas' "offensive, hateful remarks, without restraint or foundation, bring shame and discredit to him".

But Tebas has once again hit back by promising to denounce PSG in an investigation as he questioned how the Ligue 1 champions can circumvent financial fair play guidelines.

"The complaint that we are going to file with UEFA has already been drafted and is being examined," Tebas said at a news conference on Tuesday. 

"But we are not going to stop there, we are going to go to France, we have already hired French lawyers and we are going to denounce the position of PSG before the economic control body.

"We are going to denounce this situation before the courts administrative there. We are not going to allow a European club to destroy the ecosystem of European football."

Tebas also claimed PSG had "lost €300-400million over the last three seasons", referencing reports from French newspaper L'Equipe as he continued his scathing summary of the Parisians.

"This year – it's L'Equipe who says it, not me – PSG will go up to €600m in payroll, they will end the season with a loss of €300m and with higher commercial incomes than Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barca, something nobody believes," he added.

"With these losses and a payroll of €600m, more than Madrid, than Barca, renewing Mbappe is impossible...if there is no deception in the sponsorship or higher capital contributions to what UEFA has established."

As for Labrune's previous response, Tebas insisted he would not comment before then going on to question Qatar Sports Investments' (QSI) ownership of PSG again.

"The problem is the attitude of the owners of the club, because they have no limits, they don't care about losses," he continued.

"They put in as much money as they want, they cheat you with sponsors linked to the state. That is the problem."

LaLiga president Javier Tebas says there is no way Barcelona can sign Robert Lewandowski unless they sell at least one of their prized assets.

Lewandowski on Monday declared that "my story is over" at Bayern Munich after he refused to sign a new contract with the Bundesliga champions.

The prolific Poland captain has made no secret of the fact he wants to join Barca.

Yet Tebas stated the Catalan giants would not be able to afford the striker as they must cut their cloth accordingly after getting into big financial trouble.

Tebas believes the Blaugrana will have to allow one of their most valuable players to leave in order to make a move for Lewandowski.

He told Europa Press Sports Breakfasts: "Barca already know what they have to do if they want to sign Lewandowski.

"They know our economic control rules perfectly. It's to avoid major economic problems. I don't know if they will sell [Frenkie] de Jong or Pedri.

"They know what they have to do, sell assets. Barca have had many accumulated losses in recent years, some that could have been avoided, and they have to fill the pantry.

"Just like [Real] Madrid has filled their pantry, Barca's is empty. Today they cannot sign him."

 

Lewandowski told reporters at a Nations League news conference on Monday when asked about his future: "It's a big question.

"I don't like being in this situation. What is certain at the moment is that my story at Bayern is over. I don't see any chance of continuing my career at this club.

"Let's see what we can do in the next two weeks, I don't want to continue and I would like to focus on Poland. 

"After the Nations League we will have time to talk about the situation, but I don't see any possibility to continue at Bayern.

"Bayern is a serious club and I hope they will not keep me just because they can. A transfer is the best solution for all parties."

Frenkie de Jong has expressed his desire to stay at his "dream club" Barcelona rather than join Manchester United.

The Netherlands international has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford for a reunion with Erik ten Hag.

De Jong won the Eredivisie title and KNVB Cup under Ten Hag at Ajax and also helped the Amsterdam giants reach a Champions League semi-final three years ago.

The 25-year-old on Tuesday told ESPN he is eager to remain at Barca.

"I prefer to stay with Barcelona," De Jong said.

"Barcelona is just my dream club. Also from a young age. I just said it too. I've never regretted my choice despite the fact that I had hoped for more in terms of prizes than I've achieved so far. But I have never regretted my choice."

De Jong, who left his homeland to join the Blaugrana in 2019, says he has had no contact with United.

"What I'm saying, there is absolutely nothing of an agreement or anything official. At the moment there is no question of it at all," he added.

"Not that I know of in any case. Or they must not have told me, but I don't think so."

Newcastle United should ignore the temptation to buy "big stars" and focus on more players like Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.

That is the view of Shaka Hislop, the ex-Magpies goalkeeper, who has been hugely impressed by the performances of the Brazilian midfield pair.

Newcastle signed Guimaraes in January for a fee that could eventually surpass the club-record figure of £40million previously spent on compatriot Joelinton.

Brazil international Guimaraes hit the ground running at St James' Park, scoring five goals in 17 appearances before the end of the season – more than in 71 outings over two years for former club Lyon.

Joelinton endured a considerably trickier start to life in England following his 2019 arrival, toiling as a striker as he netted only 10 times in 80 games across his first two seasons.

Yet Eddie Howe has transformed the ex-Hoffenheim man into a dominant, destructive midfielder, contesting the second-most duels in the Premier League this season (529).

Guimaraes and Joelinton were key to Newcastle's impressive late-season form, winning six of the nine games they started together, but Howe's XI could look very different next term after another transfer window.

Since a lucrative takeover last year, Newcastle have been linked to Neymar, Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard and Ousmane Dembele, among others.

But Hislop says his former club should be looking for more players like Guimaraes.

"If big stars become available at the right price and the right fit for Newcastle, I don't see why not," he told Stats Perform.

"But at the same time, while I think there's this temptation, if not an expectation to go for those big stars, one of those January signings was Bruno Guimaraes, who was not a big star, but goodness me, what a player he's turned out to be.

"And I think that's in keeping with what the transfer policy will be.

"At the same time, while I mention Bruno Guimaraes, I've got to mention Joelinton, whom many had dismissed and thought was on his way out.

"And Eddie Howe found his position for him as a defensive midfielder, and he ended up winning [Newcastle's] player of the season – and justifiably so.

"Those are the kind of players, because when you see them, and you see their performances, that's exactly what you want from Newcastle players.

"So while the temptation will be to go for the big names, I don't think that is how they'll do their business – that's not going to be their M.O. so to speak.

"It will be finding those gems and those gems that fit with what Newcastle United stands for."

Hislop was at Newcastle's 2-0 win over Arsenal, watching Guimaraes score the second goal, and he said: "Seeing him live, as I did against Arsenal, just painted his talents in a very different light for me.

"He is so calm under pressure, and I think that feeds to everybody else. He's calm under pressure when he's in possession, he's first to press the ball, he, of course, popped up with the second goal against Arsenal.

"He really is an incredible talent and, again, he epitomises so much about Newcastle or the way that they play under Eddie Howe."

Hislop believes Newcastle may not need as much investment as has been suggested, having earned the fourth-most points in the Premier League in 2022 (38) and the third-most points per game (2.0) – behind only Liverpool and Manchester City.

"Given that stat, where is the urgent need to strengthen?" Hislop said. "Listen, I also understand that when you're playing well that is a perfect time to bring fresh faces in to add competition in the squad.

"I believe that those players who performed so well in the second half of the season deserve the chance to build on that.

"So, if I am adding to the squad, it's around competition for places; having real strength in depth is a need for every Premier League team now.

"Newcastle are not yet competing in Europe, but the hope will be that they put together some decent cup runs and, if you do that, again, your squad will be tested. So, right now, my thinking is just in terms of our squad depth."

Massimiliano Allegri says the "divine" Paulo Dybala must go back to "being himself" rather than trying to emulate Lionel Messi.

Dybala has decided to leave Juventus when his contract expires at the end of next month and Serie A rivals Inter want to sign him on a free transfer.

The Argentina forward has also been linked with several Premier League sides as he prepares to embrace a new challenge following seven years with Juve.

Bianconeri head coach Allegri believes Dybala's next club will only get the best out of him if he is not trying to emulate his legendary compatriot Messi.

Allegri told DAZN: "He has to go back to being himself, there was a moment when he got carried away by the fact that he was the new Messi.

"A player cannot emulate or think he is like another. He still has a lot to give because he has extraordinary technical qualities, he plays in a divine way."

Captain Giorgio Chiellini is another player whose time in Turin has come to an end.

Allegri says there is no shortage of leaders to step up in the absence of the long-serving centre-back.

He said: "For the future we already have two leaders, [Matthijs] De Ligt and [Manuel] Locatelli.

"Manuel was an excellent signing and could be the future Juventus captain, he has the technical and moral characteristics to stay here for many years.

"This year Danilo was a pleasant surprise: when he speaks he is never banal and puts the team first. A true leader is silent, he must speak little and must always put the team in front.

"And if you do this, it is the team that recognises you as a leader."

Allegri also expects Dusan Vlahovic to become a figurehead for Juve following his big-money move from Fiorentina in January.

"Dusan can also be a leader in his own way. He is loyal, he always wants to win, he will become a charismatic leader on the pitch on a character level."

Vlahovic scored seven goals in 15 Serie A appearances for Juve following his switch from Florence.

Nuno Mendes has signed a four-year contract at Paris Saint-Germain after the Ligue 1 club triggered their purchase option.

The Portugal left-back initially joined PSG on loan from Sporting CP last year as the final signing of a busy transfer window in which Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos also arrived, among others.

While Messi and Ramos each failed to perform to the levels expected of them in their debut seasons in France, Mendes was a steady presence as Mauricio Pochettino's men won the title.

He made 37 appearances in all competitions, including 27 in Ligue 1 – 18 as a starter – as he created 19 chances and provided a single assist.

Mendes will now have the opportunity to add to that tally in the coming campaign after PSG made use of their option to buy the 19-year-old, as was expected.

His signing has reportedly seen PSG pay Sporting €40million.

Richarlison has hinted he is ready to leave Everton, saying the club and manager Frank Lampard "know what I want".

The Brazil forward played a vital role in Everton avoiding relegation from the Premier League this season.

Richarlison scored 10 goals in 30 league appearances, including six from April onwards as the Toffees survived by four points.

However, the 25-year-old has long been linked with a move away from Goodison Park and would appear to be one of the club's most saleable assets.

Everton are reportedly likely to have to cash in on one of their prized players, given financial restrictions that saw them spend only £1.7million in the transfer window prior to the 2021-22 season.

Strike partner Dominic Calvert-Lewin has also attracted interest, but Richarlison has suggested he could be on his way when the transfer window opens.

"When we talk about changing clubs, it's a little bit complicated, due to the history I have there at Everton," he told reporters while away with Brazil, who he will be hoping to feature for at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

"The fans like me a lot. And when there are these talks about changing clubs, I feel that I don't have anything to say.

"But I made myself clear to the board, I have talked with Lampard as well. He knows what I want.

"So no matter what happens, it won't disturb me at the national team, it won't be a problem at the World Cup. I am totally focused on football so, no matter where I am, I will be playing with joy."

Asked by a reporter if it seemed like he wished to stay at Everton, Richarlison smiled before replying: "We will see, let's wait until June.

"I am focused here on the national team now and let's wait this month, then talk with my staff and Everton's board to see what they will decide."

Previously the subject of approaches from Barcelona and Manchester United, Richarlison has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Tottenham of late.

Manchester City are looking to add a "couple" more signings after already securing the signatures of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has confirmed.

Having wrapped up their fourth Premier League title in six years with a dramatic final-day win over Aston Villa earlier this month, City are set to benefit from the acquisition of Norwegian star Haaland, who scored 86 goals in 89 appearances during a two-year spell at Borussia Dortmund.

Pep Guardiola's men also announced the signing of young River Plate forward Alvarez back in January, as City look to restructure their forward line one year on from the departure of club legend Sergio Aguero.

Having already made headlines with their transfer business, in particular the signing of Haaland – a player El Mubarak called "the best number nine in the world" on Monday –Guardiola's men are set to be strengthened by more new arrivals. 

"I can confirm that there will be more players coming in," El Mubarak told the club's website. "We are looking to strengthen the team in the areas that we need strengthening. 

"As you know, every season some players leave, and then we have to continuously refresh the team.

"Again, we will always look at improving and strengthening. I think we've made two very important additions already [Haaland and Alvarez], but I anticipate we'll be doing a couple more.

"We'll try to go as fast as we can, but you know how the market goes. It's not always entirely in our control."

City scored 99 goals as they stormed to a successful defence of their Premier League title despite often not fielding a recognised forward after missing out on the signing of Tottenham's Harry Kane last year.

Midfielder Kevin de Bruyne top-scored for Guardiola's men in their league campaign, finding the net 15 times, with Raheem Sterling (13), Riyad Mahrez (11), and Phil Foden (nine), all outscoring nominal centre-forward Gabriel Jesus (eight).

El Mubarak says Guardiola's extraordinary tactical nous means City can afford to be patient in the transfer market, remaining successful on the pitch while biding their time until the perfect targets become available.

"With Pep and with this team, it's not just about filling a position," he added. "We have reached a level of quality, a standard in which we cannot and will not compromise on quality.

"If we find the right player for that particular position, we will get that player and if not, Pep has shown us he will find solutions within the quality of the group we have, and within the quality of the academy.

"We're in a different position to the one we were in many years ago. We have so much talent available within the squad and the academy that when we need something, it's very specific and it's very deliberate.

"If we're able to bring that particular player, great, and if not, it doesn't mean anybody can fill it. We are in a different paradigm from that perspective."

Bayern Munich chief executive Oliver Kahn has criticised star striker Robert Lewandowski for publicly revealing his intention to leave the club.

Lewandowski – who joined in 2014 on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund – does not see any chance of a future at Bayern, saying his story at the club is over.

The Pole has helped Bayern win eight straight Bundesliga titles, as well as the Champions League in 2020.

However, his contract expires in just over a year's time, and Lewandowski reportedly wants to join Barcelona in the upcoming transfer window.

 

Speaking at a Nations League news conference, Lewandowski said: "I don't like being in this situation. What is certain at the moment is that my story at Bayern is over. I don't see any chance of continuing my career at this club."

Last season, the 33-year-old broke Gerd Muller's Bundesliga record of 40 goals in a single campaign, and this term he netted 50 in all competitions for the Bavarian giants.

Kahn revealed his feelings on the matter to SPORT1 on Monday, saying: "Why Robert chose this path, I can not tell you. Such statements in public do not get you anywhere.

"Robert has been [FIFA men's player of the year] here twice in a row – I think he should know what he has at FC Bayern.

"Appreciation is not a one-way street."

Robert Lewandowski does not see any chance of a future at Bayern Munich, saying his story at the club is over.

It was confirmed earlier this month that Lewandowski had refused the offer of a new contract at Bayern, whom he joined in 2014 on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund.

The striker has helped Bayern win eight straight Bundesliga titles, as well as the Champions League in 2020.

Last season, he broke Gerd Muller's Bundesliga record of 40 goals in a single campaign, and this term he netted 50 in all competitions for the Bavarian giants.

However, his contract expires at the end of next season and Bayern now have to face cashing in this year or allowing him to leave for free in 2023.

Lewandowski wants to join Barcelona, whose coach Xavi has been open about the possibility of signing the 33-year-old, and on Monday the striker reiterated his intent to leave.

 

Asked if he was optimistic of joining Barca, Lewandowski told reporters at a Nations League news conference: "It's a big question.

"I don't like being in this situation. What is certain at the moment is that my story at Bayern is over. I don't see any chance of continuing my career at this club.

"Let's see what we can do in the next two weeks, I don't want to continue and I would like to focus on Poland. 

"After the Nations League we will have time to talk about the situation, but I don't see any possibility to continue at Bayern.

"Bayern is a serious club and I hope they will not keep me just because they can. A transfer is the best solution for all parties."

After keeping Kylian Mbappe, Paris Saint-Germain's transfer activity can turn their attention to adding to their squad.

From the likes of Mauro Icardi to Edinson Cavani, playing as a complementary forward to Mbappe and Neymar is not a simple task.

While other clubs are reportedly interested, their target for a forward has reportedly been identified.

TOP STORY – PSG TURN TO RICHARLISON

Richarlison is facing an uncertain future with Everton as interest from Paris Saint-Germain grows, according to the Daily Mail.

The Brazil international was one of the survival heroes for the Toffees, scoring six in nine games to help them secure Premier League safety.

Reports suggest the 25-year-old is seeking a move away from Goodison Park and with the club's financial situation, he could be allowed to move on despite having two years left on his deal.

While Tottenham and Real Madrid are though to be eyeing Richarlison, PSG have emerged as the likeliest destination. 

ROUND-UP

Bayern Munich are close to agreeing a deal for 30-year-old attacker Sadio Mane , according to Matteo Moretto.

– Meanwhile, Liverpool have made contact with the representatives of Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele, per Sport.

– The Manchester Evening News is reporting Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus will resolve his future after returning from Brazil duty, amid interest from Arsenal .

– Pau Torres is nearing a move from Villarreal with talks between his representatives and Manchester United developing, per Cadena Ser.

Robert Lewandowski could not hope to win more trophies at Barcelona and should therefore stay at Bayern Munich, as uncertainty over his future persists.

That is the message from former Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who has implored the Bundesliga giants to keep talisman Lewandowski at the club despite interest from the Blaugrana.

The Poland international has enjoyed another remarkable season, scoring 35 goals in 34 top-flight games – no player has scored more across Europe's top five leagues.

But Lewandowski, whose contract expires in June 2023, has been widely linked with Barca after enjoying another fine personal campaign to help Bayern to a record 10th consecutive league title.

Questions remain over his future after Lewandowski and his agent suggested they had received no new contract offer, while Bayern, on the other hand, insisted a "concrete offer" was on the table.

And Rummenigge believes his former side must do everything in their power to keep the 33-year-old.

 

"I see things much more relaxed. There is one decisive factor: Robert Lewandowski has a contract that does not expire this year, but next year," he told BILD. 

"That means the club can decide what to do, whether they sell him or not. I think [Bayern CEO] Oliver Kahn used the words 'Lewandowski stays, that's that' to show the door is closed, we're not selling him! 

"I can't imagine that Bayern Munich will now give up Robert with these statements. I've experienced that myself. 

"In 2013 [the year before the Poland international joined from Borussia Dortmund] we prepared a lot of things with Lewandowski but [BVB CEO Hans-Joachim] Watzke said categorically, 'we won't sell him a year before, for any money in the world'. It all happened peacefully. 

"I don't know Robert as a rioter either. He is irreplaceable for FC Bayern. Since he's here, he scores between 40 and 50 goals every year. You need a player like that, even if he's about to turn 34. That's a guarantee that doesn't exist anywhere in Europe. He is extra class.

"He is a very intelligent person who has to be involved. He's someone who wants to win. But I don't think you can currently win more in Barcelona than at Bayern.

"I have to say openly and honestly, what more can Barcelona offer than Bayern Munich? I can't think of anything at the moment.

"He's a goal machine who has set records in all competitions. I wouldn't give up a player like that voluntarily. You have to fight for it, have conversations and cuddle with advisors, even if it's not that easy."

Kalidou Koulibaly's agent says the Napoli defender is not in talks with any other club amid speculation over a transfer to Barcelona.

Koulibaly's contract with Luciano Spalletti's side is set to expire in June 2023, leading to suggestions Xavi's Blaugrana could swoop for the 30-year-old.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis conceded earlier this month that the Senegal international could not be forced to stay, after the centre-back had stated "we'll see what happens at the end of the season".

Spalletti will be eager to keep Koulibaly, after Napoli conceded the joint-fewest goals in Serie A (31) and kept the second-most clean sheets (16 – behind Milan, 18) this campaign.

Fali Ramadani, the agent of Koulibaly, says talk of his client being on the move is premature.

"There are many rumours, and I want to clarify that we are not in talks with any club for Koulibaly," Ramadani told Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport.

"We are waiting to meet with Napoli to decide the best solution for both parties."

Reports in Italy also suggest Juventus are interested in Koulibaly after Bianconeri great Giorgio Chiellini ended his 17-year spell in Turin.

New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly spent his first few days identifying transfer targets with football director John Murtough, technical director Darren Fletcher and recruitment consultant Ralf Rangnick.

United's maneuverability in the transfer market will likely depend on the players they can first offload, in what is an already bloated and disjointed squad.

The Dutch manager joined United in the off-season after leading Ajax to the Dutch Eredivisie title.

TOP STORY – TEN HAG PRIORITISES NUNEZ, TIMBER DEALS    

Erik ten Hag has told Manchester United to make the signings of Benfica's Darwin Nunez and Ajax's Jurrien Timber as the first order of business this off-season, according to the Mirror.

Ten Hag wants to make six signings, with the Benfica striker and Ajax defender at the top of his priorities, with respective £80million and £35m price tags.

The two players would effectively be the first dominoes in the row, given the cumulative hit to their transfer budget. 

ROUND-UP

– Ten Hag and United are also considering a bid for Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante, according The Guardian.

– Meanwhile, Blues boss Thomas Tuchel will hold talks with Conor Gallagher over his future after his loan spell at Crystal Palace, per Fabrizio Romano.

– Romano is also reporting Ivan Perisic is set to sign this week for Tottenham on a free transfer from Inter.

– Roma boss Jose Mourinho is hoping to beat his former clubs in United and Spurs in the race to sign Paulo Dybala from Juventus, TyC Sports is reporting.

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