Sports Burst – James Makes His Move
James makes Man United move, Donnarumma’s apology and Euro euphoria
By Tim Stannard
1) James makes first move to Manchester United
Aside from getting a blonde hair-do and then being publicly mocked for the transition by Cristiano Ronaldo on social media, the summer for James Rodriguez has been fairly quiet. Mainly because the Colombian bench-warmer has been elbowed aside a little by Kylian Mbappe, CR7 Himself and Gianluigi Donnarumma in terms of headline-making.
However, all that might be about to change – and yes, we have all been here before – as there are those infamous ‘reports from Spain’ that personal terms have been reached between Manchester United and the footballer for a hefty deal, but a transfer fee with Real Madrid is far from being agreed.
Florentino Perez last week had said that he sees the footballer staying at the club, however the midfielder clearly isn’t exactly the favorite of Coach Zizou and was very much in a final farewell vibe at the end of last season.
One of the issues slowing up a potential deal – and that of Alvaro Morata – is Cristiano Ronaldo’s hissy fit and uncertainty over his future claims Diariogol – a future that might not be resolved until the footballer is done with the Confederations Cup. And then maybe his vacation.
A post shared by James Rodríguez (@jamesrodriguez10) on Jun 23, 2017 at 2:45pm PDT
Tune into the Summer XTRA at 7PM ET / 4PM PT with Kevin Egan and Kay Murray which will be all over this particular story like Cristiano Ronaldo and tanning oil.
2) Donnarumma says sorry for internet confusion
Whilst Sports Burst in on transfer vibe, these are the other stories shaking up the silly season world. Donnarumma has apologized for all the nonsense over the past days and weeks over his future at Milan.
In a press conference with Italy’s U-21 side at the European Championships, the goalkeeper said that "I'm here to think about the national team and winning this European Championship." Nothing was offered up in terms of the player’s Milan future, which is up in the air to say the least.
Milan continue to act like busy bees in the transfer market. The Serie A side are set to swoop for Turkish midfielder, Hakan Calhanoglu, for around $20m. Ever Banega’s return to Sevilla after a year with Inter is “practically done” says the footballer’s agent.
These and many other nuggets of transfer nonsense will be mulled over by Terri Leigh and the Voice of US Soccer, Phil Schoen at 12:30PM ET / 9:30AM PT on the Facebook Live Transfer Tracker.
3) England push towards youthful Treble at Euros
A football-free Monday was a bleak reminder of what the rest of the summer is about to become.
But Merciful Zeus, the game returns on Tuesday with the semifinals of the European U-21 Championships. Both games are back-to-back with England taking on Germany first. The English will be looking for a particularly youth Treble with the World U-20 World Cup and Toulon tournaments having already been won. The players can then return to their top Premier League clubs and sit on the bench. If they are lucky.
An epic battle between Spain and Italy awaits, with the Spanish fielding a team containing the likes of Gerard Deulofeu, Marco Asensio and Saul – good enough for most country’s first teams. "(The Match) will be a 'Clásico' almost,” predicted Spain coach, Albert Celades.
Catch all the best action and reaction on the Summer XTRA.
4) Serena sizzles Superbrat
A bit of a to-do has blown up in the world of tennis with two legends of the sport going at it.
John McEnroe opined in an interview that Serena Williams was the best female player in the history of the game but would only be 700th in the men’s rankings. Ms Williams responded rather curtly through the medium of the internet saying that I've “never played anyone ranked ‘there’ nor do I have time,” before literally bidding him good day. Boom.
Anyway, Wimbledon is just around the corner and the cream of the WTA crop are in beIN SPORTS in the Aegon International in Eastbourne, England. Angelique Kerber is the big draw of the day. Coverage continues live on beIN SPORTS.
WHAT IS SPORTS BURST?
The life philosophy of Sports Burst is that if you are not upsetting someone, then you are not trying hard enough. SB is a daily trawl and troll through the morning's sports news to bring you fact-nuggets to make you both smile and swear. Hopefully at the same time.