Sports Burst – Madrid to Own Millennium
Madrid’s dynamic duo, Chile’s challenge and a Juve exodus.
By Tim Stannard
1) Madrid in reported deal with Mbappe and Donnarumma
While Barcelona stare forlornly at Andre Gomes and Arda Turan in looking ahead to the future, reports in Spain have Real Madrid already having verbal agreements to sign Kylian Mbappe and Gianluigi Donnarumma, the hottest teenage prospects in world soccer.
The pleasant decision now from Coach Zizou is whether the pair will join this summer or next. The former might well be a handy insurance policy – or even bluff-call – against the rebelling Cristiano Ronaldo, whilst the young Italian keeper could be free next summer or be bought on the cheap this year.
Throw the likes of Marco Asensio into the mix and a few returning loanees over the summer, and Real Madrid look set to win the Champions League over the next 76 years.
Meanwhile, other reports in Spain suggest that Cristiano Ronaldo will pay the alleged $16m due to the tax authorities before a court date at the end of July, heeding the advice of Real Madrid’s legal eagles.
Get the latest news from the Real Madrid and Barcelona camps every day with the very special Clasico Corner on the Summer XTRA at 7PM ET / 4PM PT.
2) Germany face challenge of a hyper-state Chile
The Confederations Cup is turning out to be a little more rigorous than previously thought with some fine fisticuffs between Mexico and New Zealand in Wednesday’s game. Carlos Salcedo is ruled out of the rest of the tournament after picking up an injury in the game. Portugal defender, Raphael Guerreiro, is also out of action for the rest of the run in Russia.
Thursday’s top draw entertainment has Copa America champions, Chile – a team that takes everything very seriously – taking on the World Cup winners, Germany. Alexis Sanchez returns from injury to start but Claudio Bravo still isn’t fit. “We always try to play the same and win every time,” yelled Chile coach, Juan Antonio Pizzi. Cameroon are hosting Australia in the day’s other match.
Group A is set to be resolved at the European U-21 Championships with England, Slovakia, Poland and Sweden looking for a place in the semi-finals.
Join the XTRA at 7PM ET / 4PM PT for all the best highlights of the day’s action.
3) Aubameyang offered up to transfer market
GENERIC TRANSFER TRACKER TIME! Calm down there at the back, only another 70 days or so to go until the summer window closes. Borussia Dortmund have officially given everyone permission to put Pierre Emerick Aubameyang onto the transfer tracker with the club’s CEO saying that all good offers will be considered.
Normally, the club who turns down bids for their players – but eventually gives up trying to keep them – Napoli have had a bid for $13m for Liverpool fullback, Alberto Moreno, turned down. Apparently, the Premier League are not overly keen to keep hold of the defender but would like to make a profit on the sale.
Milan fans will feel utterly relieved that Carlos Bacca has decided to stay at the club, probably because no one else wants him. “I like it here and I have three years on my contract,” was the warning from the Colombian striker.
4) Juventus set for backline summer shake-up
TRANSFER TRACKER JUVENTUS SPECIAL TIME! So many stories on the Champions League final chokers on Thursday, that an entirely special segment is required.
Juve’s striking prodigy, Moise Kean, might well be leaving the Serie A club over a disagreement over tractors. Tis true. But at least there is one forward making his way to the Old Lady – metaphorically speaking – with Sampdoria striker, Patrik Schick, set in Turin for a medical.
Juventus bigwigs have admitted that a substantial offer had been made for left-back, Alex Sandro, an offer thought to originate from Chelsea ways. There will be fears now that Leonardo Bonucci will be off too. What with the Dani Alves departure, the Serie A holders could be losing a good chunk of the club’s back line, which is why Real Madrid’s Danilo has now been linked with a move.
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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.