All LaLiga Transfer Done Deal

 ⚽ TRANSFERS - LaLiga ⚽

Leaving - Valladolid B 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Moisés Delgado (Real Valladolid) 💰 -
Antonio Domínguez (Real Valladolid) 💰 -

Arriving - SD Eibar 🛬 📆 01-07-2018
Fabián Orellana (Valencia CF) 💰 £1.80m

Leaving - SD Eibar 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Ander Capa (Athletic Bilbao) 💰 £2.70m
Takashi Inui (Real Betis) 💰 Free transfer
David Juncà (Celta de Vigo) 💰 Free transfer
Dani García (Athletic Bilbao) 💰 Free transfer
David Lombán (Without Club) 💰 -

Arriving - Real Madrid 🛬 📆 01-07-2018
Raúl de Tomás (RM Castilla) 💰 -

Leaving - Real Madrid 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Philipp Lienhart (SC Freiburg) 💰 £1.80m

Leaving - Real Sociedad 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Srdjan Babic (Red Star) 💰 £720k
Markel Bergara (Getafe CF) 💰 Free transfer
Toño (AEK Larnaca) 💰 Free transfer
Xabi Prieto (Retired) 💰 -
Carlos Martínez (Without Club) 💰 -
Sergio Canales (Without Club) 💰 -

Arriving - Celta de Vigo 🛬 📆 01-07-2018
Okay Yokuslu (Trabzonspor) 💰 £5.40m
David Juncà (SD Eibar) 💰 Free transfer
Néstor Araujo (Santos) 💰 ?
Kevin Vázquez (Celta Vigo B) 💰 -
Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo B) 💰 -
Brais Méndez (Celta Vigo B) 💰 -
Juan Hernández (Celta Vigo B) 💰 -

Leaving - Celta de Vigo 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
John Guidetti (Alavés) 💰 £3.60m
Álvaro Lemos (UD Las Palmas) 💰 ?

Arriving - Getafe CF 🛬 📆 01-07-2018
Vitorino Antunes (Dynamo Kyiv) 💰 £2.25m
Mauro Arambarri (Boston River) 💰 £1.94m
Markel Bergara (Real Sociedad) 💰 Free transfer
Leandro Chichizola (UD Las Palmas) 💰 Free transfer
Oswaldo Alanís (Guadalajara) 💰 Free transfer
Jaime Mata (Real Valladolid) 💰 Free transfer

Leaving - Getafe CF 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Emiliano Buendía (Norwich) 💰 £1.35m
Alberto García (Rayo Vallecano) 💰 Free transfer
Vicente Guaita (Crystal Palace) 💰 Free transfer
Mathieu Flamini (Without Club) 💰 -
Karim Yoda (Without Club) 💰 -
Sergio Mora (Without Club) 💰 -
Álvaro Jiménez (Without Club) 💰 -

Arriving - Real Betis 🛬 📆 01-07-2018
Antonio Barragán (Middlesbrough) 💰 £900k
Takashi Inui (SD Eibar) 💰 Free transfer

Leaving - Real Betis 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Germán Pezzella (Fiorentina) 💰 £8.10m
Riza Durmisi (Lazio) 💰 £5.85m
Dani Giménez (Dep. La Coruña) 💰 Free transfer

Arriving - Espanyol 🛬 📆 01-07-2018
Sergi Darder (Olympique Lyon) 💰 £7.20m

Leaving - Espanyol 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Gerard Moreno (Villarreal CF) 💰 £18.00m
Marc Navarro (Watford) 💰 £1.80m
José Manuel Jurado (Ahli) 💰 Free transfer
Jairo Morillas (Without Club) 💰 -
Pau López (Without Club) 💰 -

Leaving - Reus Deportiu 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Jorge Miramón (SD Huesca) 💰 Free transfer

Arriving - Valencia CF 🛬 📆 01-07-2018
Geoffrey Kondogbia (Inter) 💰 £22.50m
Uros Racic (Red Star) 💰 £1.98m

Leaving - Valencia CF 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Fabián Orellana (SD Eibar) 💰 £1.80m

Arriving - CD Leganés 🛬 📆 01-07-2018
Daniel Ojeda (Lorca FC) 💰 Free transfer
Rodrigo Tarín (FC Barcelona B) 💰 Free transfer

Leaving - CD Leganés 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Martín Mantovani (UD Las Palmas) 💰 Free transfer
Miguel Ángel Guerrero (Olympiacos) 💰 Free transfer
Omar (Without Club) 💰 -

Leaving - Málaga CF 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Jony (Alavés) 💰 Loan

Leaving - Lorca FC 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Daniel Ojeda (CD Leganés) 💰 Free transfer

Leaving - FC Barcelona B 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Rodrigo Tarín (CD Leganés) 💰 Free transfer
Sergi Palencia (FC Barcelona) 💰 -
Carles Aleñá (FC Barcelona) 💰 -
Marc Cucurella (FC Barcelona) 💰 -
José Manuel Arnáiz (FC Barcelona) 💰 -

Arriving - Villarreal CF 🛬 📆 01-07-2018
Gerard Moreno (Espanyol) 💰 £18.00m
Karl Toko Ekambi (SCO Angers) 💰 £16.20m
Ramiro Funes Mori (Everton) 💰 £7.20m
Santi Cazorla (Arsenal) 💰 Free transfer
Daniel Raba (Villarreal CF B) 💰 -

Leaving - Villarreal CF 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Rodri (Atlético Madrid) 💰 £18.00m

Leaving - Celta Vigo B 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Kevin Vázquez (Celta de Vigo) 💰 -
Borja Iglesias (Celta de Vigo) 💰 -
Brais Méndez (Celta de Vigo) 💰 -
Juan Hernández (Celta de Vigo) 💰 -

Leaving - Depor. Alavés B 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Martin Aguirregabiria (Alavés) 💰 -

Arriving - Levante UD 🛬 📆 01-07-2018
Erick Cabaco (Nacional) 💰 £1.80m
Rubén Rochina (Rubin Kazan) 💰 Free transfer

Arriving - Athletic Bilbao 🛬 📆 01-07-2018
Ander Capa (SD Eibar) 💰 £2.70m
Cristian Ganea (FC Viitorul) 💰 £900k
Dani García (SD Eibar) 💰 Free transfer

Leaving - Athletic Bilbao 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Enric Saborit (M. Tel Aviv) 💰 Free transfer
Kike Sola (Retired) 💰 -

Arriving - Alavés 🛬 📆 01-07-2018
John Guidetti (Celta de Vigo) 💰 £3.60m
Jony (Málaga CF) 💰 Loan
Martin Aguirregabiria (Depor. Alavés B) 💰 -

Leaving - Alavés 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Alexis (Ahli) 💰 Free transfer
Juanan Entrena (Omonia Nikosia) 💰 ?
Rafa Páez (FC Sochaux) 💰 Loan
Anderson Emanuel (FC Sochaux) 💰 Loan

Arriving - FC Barcelona 🛬 📆 01-07-2018
Sergi Palencia (FC Barcelona B) 💰 -
Carles Aleñá (FC Barcelona B) 💰 -
Marc Cucurella (FC Barcelona B) 💰 -
José Manuel Arnáiz (FC Barcelona B) 💰 -

Leaving - FC Barcelona 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Gerard Deulofeu (Watford) 💰 £11.70m
Andrés Iniesta (Vissel Kobe) 💰 Free transfer

Leaving - RM Castilla 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Raúl de Tomás (Real Madrid) 💰 -

Arriving - Real Valladolid 🛬 📆 01-07-2018
Moisés Delgado (Valladolid B) 💰 -
Antonio Domínguez (Valladolid B) 💰 -

Leaving - Real Valladolid 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Jaime Mata (Getafe CF) 💰 Free transfer
Lukas Rotpuller (Without Club) 💰 -

Leaving - Girona FC 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Farid Boulaya (FC Metz) 💰 ?
Eloi Amagat (Without Club) 💰 -

Arriving - SD Huesca 🛬 📆 01-07-2018
Luisinho (Dep. La Coruña) 💰 Free transfer
Jorge Miramón (Reus Deportiu) 💰 Free transfer

Leaving - SD Huesca 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Jair Amador (M. Tel Aviv) 💰 Free transfer
Nagore (Without Club) 💰 -
Alexander González (Without Club) 💰 -
Kilian Grant (Without Club) 💰 -

Arriving - UD Las Palmas 🛬 📆 01-07-2018
Martín Mantovani (CD Leganés) 💰 Free transfer
Álvaro Lemos (Celta de Vigo) 💰 ?

Leaving - UD Las Palmas 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Leandro Chichizola (Getafe CF) 💰 Free transfer

Arriving - Dep. La Coruña 🛬 📆 01-07-2018
Dani Giménez (Real Betis) 💰 Free transfer

Leaving - Dep. La Coruña 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Luisinho (SD Huesca) 💰 Free transfer

Arriving - Rayo Vallecano 🛬 📆 01-07-2018
Alberto García (Getafe CF) 💰 Free transfer

Leaving - Rayo Vallecano 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Diego Aguirre (Real Zaragoza) 💰 Free transfer
Alejandro Domínguez (Without Club) 💰 -
Mario Fernández (Without Club) 💰 -
Manucho (Without Club) 💰 -
Antonio Amaya (Without Club) 💰 -
Ernesto Galán (Without Club) 💰 -
Francisco Cerro (Without Club) 💰 -

Leaving - Villarreal CF B 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Daniel Raba (Villarreal CF) 💰 -

Arriving - Real Zaragoza 🛬 📆 01-07-2018
Diego Aguirre (Rayo Vallecano) 💰 Free transfer

Leaving - Sevilla FC 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Guido Pizarro (Tigres) 💰 £7.83m

Arriving - Atlético Madrid 🛬 📆 01-07-2018
Rodri (Villarreal CF) 💰 £18.00m

Leaving - Atlético Madrid 🛫 📆 01-07-2018
Diogo Jota (Wolves) 💰 £12.60m
Fernando Torres (Without Club) 💰 -

France Knocks Lionel Messi and Argentina Out of World Cup

Lionel Messi’s fourth World Cup ended in bitter, frustrating and all-too-familiar defeat on Saturday, with Argentina tumbling out of the tournament with a 4-3 loss to a suddenly impressive France in the round of 16.

Messi departs after a frustrating tournament in which Argentina only barely escaped a humiliating elimination in the group stage. But it ended as all his major tournaments with Argentina’s senior national team have: without a trophy, and while carrying the burden of a team defeat on his slight shoulders. At 31, he may choose to make this his last World Cup.

For a few minutes in the second half, it almost seemed as if Argentina’s troubled trip at this World Cup might be extended. Angel Di Maria scored a gorgeous long-range goal just before halftime, and then Gabriel Mercado turned in a low shot by Messi three minutes into the second half for a 2-1 lead.

But France was simply too good. The teenage forward Kylian Mbappé won a penalty in the first half with a three-quarter-field run, and then scored two goals of his own four minutes apart to stick in the knife on 

Kylian Mbappé: he’s the brightest star on a French team populated by kids who emerged from the Paris suburbs.]

Antoine Griezmann scored France’s first goal, converting the penalty Mbappé had won, and right back Benjamin Pavard slashed in France’s second in the 57th minute — a volleyed goal that was the equal of Di Maria’s stunner — after some nervous moments early in the half.

After pulling even, France simply pulled away. Mbappé restored his team’s lead with the cool of a veteran in the 64th minute, calmly finding space in the area to rip home the go-ahead goal.

Then, four minutes later, he finished off a flowing move that began deep in France’s half by slotting his second goal of the day — and third of the tournament — past Argentina’s goalkeeper Franco Armani.

Argentina got a final lifeline deep into stoppage time, when the substitute Sergio Aguero headed in a Messi cross — Messi’s second assist of the game. But Argentina needed one more, and within two minutes, it, and Messi, were out of time.

France will play the winner of Saturday’s second game, Uruguay vs. Portugal, on Friday in Nizhny Novgorod.

The victory will embolden French hopes that this team might just be good enough to win the tournament. France, while it had not lost a game in Russia, had been unimpressive in the group stage. Its final group game, a listless 0-0 draw against Denmark, was played to a chorus of boos.

AWKS! Meghan Markle who SLAMMED ‘misogynist’ Donald Trump ‘to be royal dinner partners’

MEGHAN Markle, the new Duchess of Sussex, who savaged Donald Trump as a woman-hater may end up welcoming the American President to Britain and even have dinner with him in what is likely to be an incredibly awkward TransAtlantic visit. The US President is staging a ‘working visit’ to the UK in July and is set to meet the Queen at Windsor – one notch down from a full state visit.

                         Meghan Markle has well-documented opinions on Donald Trump.

Palace sources are keeping tight-lipped about the finer details of just which of the royals will also be in attendance with Queen Elizabeth but at least one royal expert says the royal entourage could well include Meghan.

Which may prove a tad awkward - as Prince Harry’s new bride has well-documented opinions on Donald Trump – and not all of them are glowing.

Prior to the 2016 US election, Meghan aired her views on a television talk show, declaring that she was prepared to leave the US and live in Canada if Mr Trump was elected.

Speaking on Comedy Central's Nightly Show, hosted by Larry Wilmore, she said: "We film Suits in Toronto and I might just stay in Canada. I mean, come on.

"If that’s really the reality that we are talking about, come on, that is really a game changer in terms of how we move in the world here.”

“Trump is divisive. Think about just female voters alone.

"I think it was in 2012, the Republican Party lost the female vote by 12 points.

"That’s a huge number and with someone as misogynistic as Trump is and so vocal about it, that’s a huge chunk of it.”

Of course five years ago she was an up-coming American actress rather than a senior member of the British royal family.

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said: “Donald Trump's visit is a working visit not a state visit which would be very different.

“The official itinerary has not been announced but we know he will be meeting the Queen at Windsor as the American Ambassador has said so.

“Prime Minister Theresa May rashly promised Trump a state visit just after he became President. Only two American Presidents have had this honour, and if that happens it might well include Meghan as our first American princess – irrespective of what her private views might be.”

He added it was likely that during the visit other members of the royal family would attend an official banquet which could see Meghan and Harry and Donald and Melania Trump as dinner partners.

He said: “We know Meghan's thoughts on Trump before she was married it would be up to the royal family to choose who attended such an event if and when it happens.

“The emphasis is obviously on goodwill, visits by American Presidents are intended to reinforce the "special relationship" and Britain needs America's co-operation in a post-Brexit deal."

Windsor castle will be closed to the public on 13 July, for the President’s visit..

Sport and News contacted Kensington Palace, for an official comment on the Duchess' plans during the US president's visit but they declined.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are set to visit Ireland from July 10th to July 11th, in their first official trip as a married couple, and are expected to return when Mr Trump arrives in the country.

Britons have planned a nationwide protest against Mr Trump' arrival to the UK, with thousands planning to march London's streets.

The US president is expected to avoid the capital to prevent being exposed to mass protests

‘An enemy not a friend!’ Irish PM Leo Varadkar sparks fury with Brexit-bashing rant

IRISH Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has sparked fury among Brexiteers for saying Britain cannot be allowed to “destroy” the EU in his latest patronising rant.

                              Leo Varadkar has sparked fury for saying Britain cannot be allowed to “destroy” the EU

His comments came after he claimed Theresa May had given him exclusive access to paperwork mapping out he UK’s ambitions post-Brexit, in which he also warned the Prime Minister about “cherry picking” of EU rules and regulations.

He said: “While we regret them leaving, we are not going to let them destroy it.”
Mr Varadkar also said Britain should know its place after Brexit and that it was not an equal partner to the bloc, The Sun reports.

He also attacked Britain for not developing a post-Brexit plan two years ago when the historic EU referendum saw the country vote to cut all ties with Brussels.

Brexiteer Iain Duncan Smith slammed the Republic of Ireland leader’s comments and demanded Mr Varadkar stop “strutting around and start behaving like an adult”.

The Conservative politician said: “He’s behaving like we are an enemy not a friend.
“He seems to forget in the financial crisis it was Britain that borrowed money to help Ireland when the EU wasn’t prepared to help at all.”

He added: “He’s strutting around like he runs the EU and needs to start acting like a friend and neighbour.”

Mr Varadkar has often been on the receiving end of a backlash after voicing his Brexit-bashing opinions.

Recently, the self-proclaimed voice for the EU said mighty Brussels will not change its rules for Britain in a bizarre tirade.

He said: “We’re 27 member states, the UK is one country.

“We’re 500million people, the UK is 60million. That basic fact has to be understood.”
Though with the population of Ireland actually being closer to 4.8million and with 66.5million people living in the UK, it seems Mr Varadkar got his sums wrong.

Added to that, a no-deal scenario with the EU would see 2.5 percent of the Irish workforce forced onto the dole.

Mrs May held talks with Mr Varadkar on Thursday.

Ireland and the Irish border headache remain the biggest obstacle in Brexit's path with Dublin and Brussels standing firm by their red line of blocking anything which could lead to a hard border on the island.

Liverpool ready to pay £40m for Italian goalkeeper

Liverpool could make a bid to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma if Simon Mignolet ends up leaving Anfield, according to reports in Italy. Italian newspaper reports that the Reds are considering making a move for the teenager should Mignolet future become a source of uncertainty.

The Italian has played over 100 games in all tournaments for the Rossoneri already, possessing an impressive 39 clean sheets for his problems. He’s played four caps for the Italian national side and appears to have a great future ahead of him.

The youngster came close to exiting the San Siro last summer, before making a U-turn on the decision to secure a new deal. But, latest stories claim he will be leaving Milan in the coming months to join Liverpool. It’s sad news for PSG as they’d been watching his development for over 12 months.

According to the story, Liverpool are considering the possibility of selling Mignolet this summer to avoid the risk of losing him on a free transfer as he contracted with the club until 2021. And the same report says that the west Reds side are now tracking AC Milan starlet Donnarumma with a view to a possible summer move for the goalkeeper.

MORE: Jorginho could complete Man City transfer at ‘any moment’

Jorginho could complete Man City transfer at ‘any moment’

Jorginho could complete his move to Manchester City at any minute, according to his agent.

The Napoli midfielder has been linked with a whole host of Premier League clubs in recent months, with the majority of the top six thought to have had varying degrees of interest in his services.

Manchester United and Liverpool were heavily linked with the Italy international a few months ago, but Jose Mourinho has already signed Fred, while Jurgen Klopp has brought in Naby Keita and Fabinho into the heart of their respective midfield’s.

Man City are now the clear favourites to land his signature, and are thought to have already agreed personal terms, although are yet to come to an agreement with the Serie A club.

However, Jorginho’s agent has suggested that a deal could be close:

“Manchester City are working to close the deal with Napoli – any moment could be the right one,” Joao Santos told Radio Kiss Kiss. “The player is in Brazil.

“I’m in my house in England, waiting for a call from [sporting director Cristiano] Giuntoli or [owner Aurelio] De Laurentiis. When it arrives, I will go to meet the leadership of Manchester City.”

MORE: Chelsea very close to sealing first summer signing after negotiations for £27m begins

Juncker sets trap to catch MOLE as chief PARANOID of leaks from inside Brussels

PRESIDENT of the European Commission has bizarrely revealed he used the wrong date for his meeting with President Trump in July as he was testing “where the leaks come from”.

The President of the European Commission was speaking following the European Council summit, which heavily focused on the continent’s migration crisis.

Jean-Claude Juncker announced that he used the summit to “test where the leaks come from” as he gave the wrong date for his future meeting with President Trump.

He said: “On the subject of trade, the European Council showed a resolved united front on all accounts.

                        Jean-Claude Juncker revealed he set a trap to catch a mole at the EU summit

“Europe continues to stand for fair trade, free trade, trade based on trust, common rules and partners.
“We continue to be of the view that a multilateral approach is the right one.

“We feel that unilateral approaches would be misleading and there are due to be discussions taking place before the end of July.

“I will be going to Washington taking up President Trump’s invitation and it just around the corner the 21st and 22 of July.

“I made this point in the European Council. I said I wanted to test where the leaks come from and that’s why I gave the wrong date and I was successful in that endeavour because that date was passed straight onto the press.

Because you always have to rely on information, based on first hand, I would like to point out it is not going to be on the 24 of July, it will be in the summer, picking up on the comments made by President Trump at the G7 summit.”

It comes after President Donald Trump clashed with G7 leaders after he threatened to place tariffs on a range of imports to the United States.

During a speech in Fargo, North Dakota, the US President took a dig at the EU for taking “advantage” of the US.

He said: “We love the countries of the European Union. But the European Union was set up to take advantage of the United States, to attack our piggy bank. And you know what? We can’t let that happen.”

He added: “Last year with the European Union we lost $151billion on trade.

“We had a trade deficit because they send the Mercedes in, they send the BMWs in, they send their products in, we send things to them and they say, ‘no thank you, we don’t take your product’.

“That’s not the way it works and for all those free traders out there – that’s not free trade, that’s stupid trade.

“I said to them, if you treat us that way and you don’t take down your barriers, if you’re not going to treat us fairly then we are going to tax all those beautiful Mercedes Benzes.”

Done Deal: Manchester United star pens new two-year deal at Old Trafford, one-year extension option included in contract

Manchester United have announced that Belgian international Marouane Fellaini has signed a new deal with the Red Devils which is set to see the player stay at Old Trafford until at least 2020.

As confirmed by the club’s official website, the former Everton midfielder has penned a new deal with Jose Mourinho’s side for a further two years, with there also being an option to give the player a further year in the deal.

This shouldn’t really come as a surprise to United fans, as boss Mourinho has often turned to Fellaini when his side are struggling to break teams down, something we can all look forward to him doing for at least the next couple of years following this deal being agreed.

Fellaini’s new deal is set to see him stay at Old Trafford for at least a further two years

Fellaini has been somewhat impressive for the Red Devils since his move from Everton in the summer of 2013, with the Belgian star often coming up trumps when relied upon by his teammates.

The 30-year-old has bagged 20 goals and 10 assists in 156 appearances for the former Premier League champions, a record that should be deemed decent considering the player doesn’t often start games.


Following this news, it’ll be interesting to see the role Fellaini plays for the Red Devils in the coming years under Jose Mourinho.

Smoke billows over East End as 58 firefighters tackle East London tower block blaze

FIREFIGHTERS have rushed to tackle a huge fire that has broken out at a London tower block in Mile End.

                                    London tower block blaze: 58 firefighters are battling the fire

Eight fire engines and around 58 firefighter have responded to the scene in Wellington Way, Mile End in east London.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said half of a flat on the 12th floor of a tower block has been engulfed.

Just before 1pm LFB on Twitter added: “Firefighters are working hard at the scene of the flat fire in Mile End.”

Footage from the scene taken by a witness shows thick grey smoke billowing from the side of the tower block.

Meanwhile pictures shared on social show flames shooting out from the windows of a flat on the 12th floor.

More than 90 calls were made to the 999 after the fire broke out in the Mile End flat at 12.30pm.
Around 44 people were evacuated from the building and a further two people were led to safety.
One Twitter user tweeted: “Can see what looks like a terrible fire in a building in Bow / Mile End, hope everyone is ok.”

While another reported seeing the tower block on fire while she was sitting on the London Tube near Bow Road and Mile End.

It is unclear what sparked the fire but crews from Bethnal Green, Shadwell, Stratford and Whitechapel are in attendance.

Police have cordoned off part of Wellington Way to the public and are urging residents to make their way to the nearby Merchant Street community centre for advice.

There have been no reports of injuries and the cause of the fire is being investigated.
Around 30 minutes after the fire broke out, witnesses reported seeing the flames and smoke subsiding.

The latest update from the London Fire Brigade's Twitter account said the fire is now "under control".

A London Fire Brigade statement said: “Eight fire engines and 58 firefighters and officers have been called to a flat fire in Wellington Way, Mile End.

“Half of a flat on the 12th floor is alight.

“The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers have taken more than 90 calls to the fire.
“The Brigade was called at 1228. Fire crews from Bethnal Green, Shadwell, Stratford, Whitechapel and surrounding fire stations are at the scene.

                    Fire crews from Bethnal Green, Shadwell, Stratford and Whitechapel rushed to the scene at Mile End

“The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.”

Meanwhile East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has been attending a serious fire in Playden near Rye, where around 70 people were evacuated from two domestic properties, one of which was well alight.

Six fire engines were at the scene and people were being asked to avoid the area and stay away from the smoke.

One person has been treated for smoke inhalation and is being looked after by the ambulance service, and the evacuated residents were taken to a local school.

Chelsea very close to sealing first summer signing after negotiations for £27m begins

Chelsea are close to sealing their first signing of the summer after the Guardian reports that the Blues have submitted a bid of £27 million for Russian World Cup star Aleksandr Golovin.

The Russian midfielder is one of the main stars from the host nation’s squad that have attracted interest from foreign clubs following their gallant displays for their side at the global mundial.

The 22-year old has grabbed two assists for Russia while scoring once, helping the host nation advance to the knockout stage of the competition. Juventus and Chelsea were thought to be in the running for his signature but it appears the Premier League side have stolen the march on the new Russia sensation and are getting close to signing him this summer for a fee of £27m.


The report by the Guardian also states that Golovin was linked with a move to Napoli last summer with Maurizio Sarri very interested in training with him. That makes sense as Chelsea have pushed for him in the last few weeks, as the Italian manager is also reported by the Daily Star, as being close to joining Chelsea this summer to replace Antonio Conte.

Chelsea reject Barcelona bid for Willian: Man Utd ready to pounce

CHELSEA have rejected a mega-money bid from Barcelona for Willian - with Manchester United still waiting in the wings.

                               Chelsea have rejected a mega-money bid from Barcelona for Willian

Willian looks set to leave Stamford Bridge this summer following a frustrating season last term.

While Chelsea are set to part ways with Antonio Conte, the Brazilian is set to go with Barca and United keen.

The Daily Mail report that the Blues have turned down a £50m offer from the La Liga champions.

It is said Willian's representatives are in Barcelona and the club want him to link up with compatriot Philippe Coutinho in a more central role.

But Chelsea have rebuffed their opening bid and that will be good news for United.

The Red Devils wanted Willian throughout the winter transfer window and remain interested.

And The Daily Mail add that they would be willing to go well over Barcelona’s initial offer with Jose Mourinho eager to land the 29-year-old.

Willian, who is under contract at Chelsea until 2020, scored 13 goals in 55 appearances for the club last season.

He is currently away with Brazil at the World Cup and will likely start their last-16 clash with Mexico on Monday.

The bookies believe Willian is set to move to Old Trafford this summer and recently slashed the odds on the move.

A Betstars spokesmen told Starsport: “United are now priced at just 11/8, down from 6/4, to snap up Willian.

“Willian’s potential departure from Stamford Bridge will likely spark the interest of other top European sides. Bayern Munich are next up in the market at odds of 10/1."

Fred hails new teammate Matic

Manchester United new boy Fred has thanked his new teammate Nemanja Matic after he introduced himself at the end of Brazil’s 2-0 victory over Serbia.

Matic’s Serbia side were knocked out of the World Cup on Wednesday after Brazil’s victory, but that didn’t deter the midfielder from having a few words with his new teammate Fred afterwards.

25-year-old Fred signed a five-year contract with United, moving from Shakhtar Donetsk for a reported fee of £52million.

United’s midfield looks like one of the strongest in the league at present with the inclusion of Fred, and if you fancy the Red Devils’ chances at Premier League glory next season,

The Brazilian is yet to feature at the World Cup this summer, but found time to exchange shirts and chat with Matic following Wednesday’s match in Moscow – someone Fred believes will be a ‘great teammate’.
“It was a nice chat with him, he welcomed me for coming to the great club that is Manchester,” Fred said. “We exchanged shirts, too, he will be a great teammate.”
“It’s a big change, but I have not stopped yet … It still hasn’t set in, I’m very focused here on the World Cup.
“I do not think much about it, but it’s a great club in Europe, it’s one of the biggest, so I’m very happy for that.”

Announcement imminent, $105,000-a-week star agree Man United deal

Belgium international Marouane Fellaini is on the verge of putting pen to paper on a contract extension deal with Man United, per reports.

Fellaini threw the media into confusion when he revealed earlier this week that he has agreed to sign a deal but will make known the club at the expiration of his contract (1st July). While fans and pundits are left in the dark over his future, it appears that he will be staying put with the Red Devils.

He will run down his current contract with Man United by Saturday midnight and he had stalled over signing a new deal with the club since last summer through the winter transfer window. Mourinho revealed that he wants to retain the services of the player but said he would sign another player in his stead if he leave.

United have to look no further for reinforcements as the 30-year-old star has been offered a lucrative two-year deal, which he’s expected to sign, per the Sun.  He is current on a $105,000-a-week deal with United but he will rack up more funds with the new deal.

Fellaini who is currently with the Belgium national team for the World Cup mundial was offered for sale by his agent and he was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal, Galatasaray and AC Milan.
United have already signed on Fred as replacement for Carrick who has taken a role in the back room of the club and now Jose Mourinho will be looking to strengthen the other aspects of his squad.

Fuel tankers explodes in Lagos Nigeria, kills nine, burns 53 cars

Fuel tankers explodes in Lagos Nigeria, kills nine, burns 53 cars

tanker caught fire in Lagos on Thursday, killing nine people and burning out 53 other vehicles. The fatal accident occurred at Lagos/Ibadan Expressway,  Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) spokesman Adeshina Tiamiyu confirmed.

Bisi Kazeem, a spokesman for the Federal Road Safety Commission, said the crash happened around Otedola bridge on the section of the road heading out of Lagos

"@dharmykoya: If u are going towards Ibadan express way/ Berger just turn back …. a fuel tanker is burning… pic.twitter.com/VxTjyMFCAj

— GIDITRAFFIC (@Gidi_Traffic) June 28, 2018

President Buhari has also condoled with government of Lagos and the affected people via its Twitter handle, Thursday night.

See what he wrote;
Pres. @MBuhari sympathizes with the Govt @followlasg and people of Lagos State, and the victims of the tanker fire incident that occurred this evening. May the souls of the dead rest in peace, and may God comfort all those who lost loved ones. The entire country mourns with you.

— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) June 28, 2018

Done deal: Wayne Rooney joins DC United after 16-year legendary Premier League career with Man Utd & Everton

It’s the end of an era in the Premier League as one of its greatest ever players, Wayne Rooney, leaves Everton for a transfer to DC United.

The former England captain only rejoined Everton from Manchester United last summer, but his second stint at Goodison Park has lasted just a year as he looks to wind down his career in the MLS.

Many big names have increasingly taken that path in recent times, but Rooney will undoubtedly be one of the biggest names to make his way to the US.

MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Three Mourinho Man Utd requests, Liverpool agreement, Chelsea, Arsenal

The 32-year-old will undoubtedly go down as one of the finest ever to play in the Premier League, even if he passed his peak level some time ago and arguably stayed on playing for United and England for too long.

Rooney leaves the English top flight after netting 208 times in 491 games at this level, and he also lifted the trophy five times during his years at Old Trafford.

It seems like only yesterday he first burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old at Everton, where he first made his name with a stunning late winner against Arsenal in 2002.

It’s fair to say Rooney truly made the most of his talent with a big-money move to United when he was still just 18, scoring a hat-trick on his debut to give a glimpse of the quality he’d show for 13 years at Old Trafford.

Everton confirmed his departure today with a quality video of Rooney’s best moments…

? | @WayneRooney has today joined @dcunited.

Goodbye and good luck, Wayne! ?
More ?? https://t.co/yH7jRZelWC pic.twitter.com/41EFUFUZFC
— Everton (@Everton) June 28, 2018

EU SUMMIT LIVE: 'We'll act AT PACE' May demands PRIVATE talks with Franco-German power duo

ANGELA Merkel and Emmanuel Macron are gearing up to gang up against Theresa May in a joint Brexit offensive, with EU leaders warning time is running out.

            Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron have arrived for the EU Summit i Brussels

The German Chancellor said she and the French President now have “commonality”, after coming to an agreement on eurozone reforms.

Theresa May is in Brussels for the first day of the EU Summit, to reassure leaders her plans are coming along, in what is seen as crunch time with the October deadline for the final draft Brexit proposal looming.

Mr Macron's aide said this morning there is a "serious and grave" rebuke planned for Britain.
On the doorsteps of the EU Summit, the Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte said: “Time is getting on. We don’t have much longer. It is difficult co come to agreements in our cabinet but she has to.

“The first problem is the Irish border. We need a backstop that is not temporary it is continuous. That issue has to be solved.

“I don’t want to talk in apocalyptic terms. But first, second and third priority is the Irish border."

Ireland’s Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, told reporters: “We will not prepare for a hard border in Ireland.”

The Prime Minister will hold a number of face-to-face meetings with European leaders on day one of the two-day summit, with the remaining 27 EU leaders discussing Brexit on their own on Friday morning, by which point Mrs May will have left Brussels.

Chief EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said "serious divergences" remain over the question of backstop arrangements for the Irish border if neither of the UK's proposed customs proposals are deemed workable.

And crisis talks are also set to be dominated by the migrant crisis which threatens German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s future.

In Germany there is growing political uncertainty after Mrs Merkel’s interior minister Horst Seehofer gave her two weeks to reform migration or he would push through plans to turn migrants away at the border.

LIVE UPDATES FROM THE EU SUMMIT BELOW

3.30pm: Juncker issues Brexit warning
Jean-Claude Juncker isn't happy. After earlier saying he won’t “lecture” Theresa May, he tells her to get her cabinet in order for the sake of negotiations.

He said: “I would like our British friends to make clear their positions.

“We can’t go on with a split cabinet, they have to say what they want.”

2.41pm: Theresa May received a Belgium football shirt ahead of tonight's World Cup match
Theresa May has been presented with a Belgium football shirt ahead of tonight's World Cup match between England and the Belgian national side.

1.03pm update: Mateusz Morawiecki  urges tougher EU border controls
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said Poland would be pushing for tougher external border controls to stop secondary migrations from third countries.

Speaking as he arrived for the summit, Mr Morawiecki also said he supported the continuation of sanctions against Poland’s next-door neighbour Russia and said the creation of a eurozone budget should not endanger the wider EU budget.

12.50pm update: European leaders have begun arriving in Brussels
Hungarian PM Viktor Orban, Bulgarian delegates and officials from Czech Republic and Finland have also arrived.

12.32pm update: Nigel Farage warans against Brexit betrayalFormer UKIP leader Nigel Farage said delaying Brexit would be an “absolute betrayal”.
He said: “This referendum that we had back in 2016 was about whether we become an independent country. That’s what people voted for.

“What the Government needs to do is to come up with a radical new plan and needs to start getting European business on their side.

“Clearly it should be in the interests of the European Union to have a sensible trade deal with us because they sell us more than we sell them.

“They are not behaving that way, I think we have got to try some different tactics, we have got to be a lot more radical, but the British Government needs to get European businesses, car manufactures in Germany, for example, we have got to get them on our side against what Michel Barnier is doing.
“The only crumb of comfort for people that voted to leave, is that we appear to be on track - given Royal Assent was given this week to the EU Withdrawal Bill.

We appear to be on track to leave at 11pm on March 29 next year.
“Everything else we are pretty unhappy about.

“Whether it is taking back fisheries, whether it's being free to make our own trade deals, whether it is taking back control of our borders.

“The only crumb of comfort was leaving on the 29 March, and frankly, if that gets delayed, that will be betrayal, no other word for it.”

12.22pm update: Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini tells EU to protect its borders
Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini has put the cat among the pigeons in Brussels by declaring the EU’s main priority was to “protect its external borders”.

He said: "The biggest priority in this moment is to protect our external border. First we have to start to do this and after that we can continue to discuss about was is happening inside the European Union."

12.01pm update: Spain's Pedro Sanchez looking forward to 'tete-a-tete' with Theresa May
Mr Sanchez said: "We will have a tete-a-tete meeting with Prime Minister May and look forward to continue with the negotiations and with this constructive approach that the Spanish government is having."

When asked of he was disappointed with the slow progress on Brexit he replied: "No, I won't say that. Absolutely not."

11.53am update: Xavier Bettel calls for agreement on immigration
Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said the EU had to thrash out a policy of legal immigration.

He said: ”I think we have to discuss everything. If we have countries saying this and that is a red line we will never get an agreement. Legal immigration has to be the rule."

"There are so many people who arrived in different countries and then made their way to Germany. I understand Germany says 'Why do we have to deal with everything?'"

11.47am update: Finnish leader offers support to Angela Merkel
Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila said is country was ready to co-operate with Germany on its migration proposals.

He said: “We have practical problems on secondary migration in Finland and Finland is ready to co-operate with Germany."

11.42am update: Pedro Sanches calls for show of solidarity with 'crisis-hit' Germany
Spain’s new Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called on European Union member states to show solidarity to Germany which he said was "suffering a political crisis”.

He said: "What we need is a common response to a common challenge, which is migration and we have to combine responsibility with solidarity.

“Responsibility in order to control our frontiers, to intensify our foreign and external dimension of the migration policy.

“And solidarity also with regards to other countries especially Germany which is now suffering a political crisis."

11.29am update: Viktor Orban fires warnining shots over migrant crisis solution
Hungary’s hardman leader Viktor Orban has insisted democracy in Europe tops the summit agenda rather than the migrant crisis.

Mr Orban, whose anti-immigration rhetoric and refusal to toe the Brussels line on refugees, has enraged fellow EU leaders said:  "The main issue is not migration, the issue is democracy in Europe.
“It is about what the people believe, what should be done."

11.03am update: Commons Brexit committee calls or departure to be delayed
The influential Commons Brexit Committee has called for Britain’s departure from he EU to be delayed.

The committee said, even under the most optimistic scenario, there may not be enough time to complete all the necessary work by next March when the UK is scheduled to leave the EU.

In a report, they repeated calls for an extension to the exit timetable if an agreement has not been finalised and called for the Government to secure a mechanism which would also allow for any transition period to be extended.

10.46am update: Donald Tusk fears for future of relations with US
European Council President Donald Tusk made his fears for NATO crystal clear in a letter to the 28 EU leaders.

He wrote: “Despite our tireless efforts to keep the unity of the West, transatlantic relations are under immense pressure due to the policies of President Trump.

“Unfortunately, the divisions go beyond trade. I will share with you my political assessment of where things stand. It is my belief that, while hoping for the best, we must be ready to prepare our union for worst-case scenarios.”

10.21 update: Theresa May urges united front against Russian threat
Theresa May will call on EU leaders to strengthen defences against Russian efforts to undermine Western unity.

She will tell the summit: “Russia and other actors seem to be trying to sow disunity, destabilise our democracies and test our resolve.

“We must adapt our current defences to the ‘new normal’ and take responsibility for protecting international norms and institutions.”

10.03 update: French warn Theresa May to expect rebuke over lack of progress 
French officials have warned Theresa May faced a “serious and grave” warning from fellow EU leaders about the slow progress being made on Brexit.

An aide to Emmanuel Macron said Mrs May would be rebuked over the insufficient progress, particularly on Ireland.

The aide said: “It is very urgent to finalise discussions.”

9.38am update: Merkel calls for further eurozone reform
Angela Merkel said further eurozone reform is needed to nip possible future crises in the bud after aid programmes to some member states had been successful.

She said: "The Greek programme, like others, was a huge challenge but we can say the euro is stable, the programmes are over and the countries are competitive and this was a good piece of work and a good bit of European solidarity.

"But there is still a need to reform. That is why we agreed with France to work together.”
Ms Merkel said proposals included developing the European Stability Fund into a kind of European monetary fund to help avoid potential crises.

9.19am update: Merkel urges united front on migrant crisis
Angela Merkel has warned that failure to reach agreement on an EU migrant policy could be “make-or-break” for the bloc.

She said if all 28 members could not agree she would call for the creation of a coalition of the willing.

Ms Merkel also said Brussels had to better manage onward migration across EU borders and urged officials to seek agreements with African governments as they did with Turkey.

8.57am update: Shares open down ahead of EU Summit
European shares have again succumbed to trade tensions and political concerns ahead of the tense European Union summit after the stock market enjoyed a brief respite from selling in the previous session.

The pan-European STOXX 600 was down 0.1 percent while Germany's trade-sensitive DAX managed a 0.1 percent gain.

Financials and mining shares were the biggest drags on the market, while high dividend-paying consumer staples stocks such as Nestle and Unilever, considered safer in times of market stress, made gains.

The pan-European banks sector fell 0.3 percent, extending its sharp losses this week with HSBC, UBS and Credit Suisse among the biggest fallers. Miners declined 0.6 percent.

8.36am update: Donald Trump in bizarre outburst against EU
US President Donald Trump has launched a bizarre broadside at the EU ahead of the Brussels gathering.

He told a rally in North Dakota: “We love the countries of the European Union but the European Union, of course, was set up to take advantage of the United States. To attack our piggy bank.

Transfer news LIVE: Three Mourinho Man Utd requests, Liverpool agreement, Chelsea, Arsenal

TRANSFER NEWS never stops hitting the back pages and Sport and News is on hand to bring you all the latest gossip throughout the World Cup.   

                   Transfer news: Jose Mourinho wants a host of fresh talent at Manchester United this summer

Transfer news LIVE: All the latest from Man Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and more
Thursday, June 28

Ramsey boost

11:50: Aaron Ramsey’s contract talks with Arsenal gave reportedly handed the club optimism that a new long-term deal will be signed.

Ramsey’s contract deal expires at the end of next season and talks with the club over a renewal have progressed slowly.

After losing Alexis Sanchez in January after he entered the final six months of his contract, Arsenal are reluctant to lose another of their key players.

According to The Telegraph, positive talks have taken place and Ramsey is “enthused” at working with Emery.

It is claimed the expectation is that Ramsey will sign a new four or five-year contract with a significant wage increase.

Milinkovic-Savic speaks out

10:45: Sergej Mikinkovic-Savic says he will be happy if he stays at Lazio but needs time to think about his future.

The Serbian midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United but it seems the Red Devils face a tough task in prising him away from Italy.
"I need a little bit of rest now,” he said.

"I'll return to Rome and I would be happy if I stay at Lazio, as I'm content there and I have a contract.
"I read something different in the papers every day, but I haven't thought about it yet. First, I'll rest for a bit, then we'll see."

Merino out

09.45: Mikel Merino is set to join Real Sociedad from Newcastle.
The La Liga side are set to trigger his £10m release clause, according to the Newcastle Chronicle.
Merino has made it clear he wants the move and has already agreed a five-year deal.

And Sociedad head coach Asier Garitano has confirmed the deal is close.

“Until it becomes official, no, and I think it still has not been finalised,” Garitano, who tried to sign Merino for Leganes when the midfielder was still at Osasuna, replied when asked if Sociedad had completed the signing of Merino on Radio Euskadi .
“He’s someone I’ve know for many years, when we played against Osasuna with Leganes in the Segunda Division.

“It could be a good signing for us. He has been at important clubs like Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle - and, at the age of 21, he has a great future ahead of him. We hope it can be completed.”

Mourinho’s requests

09:30: Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho wants Ed Woodward to splash the cash this summer and has three targets in mind.

The Times say the Special One has told United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to sign a centre-back and a left-back.

Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld and Juventus star Alex Sandro are top targets for the Red Devils.

Mourinho also wants a marquee signing with Gareth Bale at the top of his wishlist.

Son eyed

08:55: Arsenal are among a host of clubs interest in signing Spurs attacker Heung-Min Son.
According to German outlet Sport1, the South Korean is a target for the Gunners, Manchester United and Liverpool.
The report claims Son wants to take the next step in his career and believes he has to leave Spurs to do that.

Reds sign Gerrard’s cousin

08:10: Liverpool have reached an agreement to sign Steven Gerrard’s cousin, Bobby Duncan.
The teenager leaves Manchester City following a year-long contract dispute that has prevented him playing club football for a year.

And the 17-year-old, a star for England at youth level, will follow in his cousin’s footsteps by coming through the ranks at Anfield instead.

Liverpool will pay a £200,000 compensation fee to City for the player’s development after Duncan had refused a professional contract a year ago over concerns about progression to the first-team.
Duncan will start in Liverpool’s under-18s and under-23s squads.

Lewandowksi to Chelsea

07:30: Robert Lewandowski to be the subject of a four-way summer tug-of-war, according to Ladbrokes.

The Bayern Munich striker could leave the Bundesliga during this transfer window, and the bookies make FOUR clubs 5/1 or shorter for his signature.

As things stand it's Real Madrid who lead the way for his signature at 5/2, but 7/2 says Chelsea make a shock move.

Elsewhere, Man United and PSG are both 5/1 shots to seal a deal, with Man City out at 10/1.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "Lewandowski could be the answer to Chelsea's striker woes, with the betting suggesting they're the most likely Prem side to make a move for the forward."

Queen ill SHOCK: Monarch pulls out of St Paul's service at last minute due to illness

THE Queen has been forced to pull out of a service at Paul's Cathedral at last minute as she is "under the weather", Buckingham Palace officials have said. 

                   Queen health latest: The Queen is under the weather 

The 92-year-old was due to attend the service to mark the 200th anniversary of the Order of St Michael and St George.

She will instead be represented by the Duke of Kent.

A statement from Buckingham Palace said: "The Queen is feeling under the weather today and has decided not to attend this morning's service at St Paul's Cathedral marking the 200th anniversary of the Order of St Michael and St George.

"Her Majesty will be represented by The Duke of Kent as Grand Master of the Order." It is understood that a hospital and doctor is not involved at this stage.

The Queen will still travel from Buckingham Palace to Windsor this afternoon for the weekend as planned.

She is still scheduled to attend a full week of engagements of Scotland next week.

The news comes after the Queen underwent eye surgery to remove a cataract in May.

The monarch has opted to wear sunglasses instead of cancelling a series of public engagements.
She underwent the delicate procedure at the private King Edward VII's hospital in London, where she was treated as a day patient.

The planned operation resulted in a success.

Piers Morgan sent his best wishes, tweeting: "Her Majesty very rarely pulls a sickie. Hope she's OK."

It follows a busy month for the Queen, who enjoyed five days at her favourite week of the month, Royal Ascot.

This week the nation's longest-serving monarch joined grandson Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle at her Young Leaders Awards at Buckingham Palace.

The event honoured young people from the Commonwealth who have strived to improve their communities.

Prince Harry will take over the role of patron of the Young Leaders programme from the Queen next year.

Despite the health issue, the Queen is known to be of robust constitution.

Her son, Prince Andrew the Duke of York, once described his mother as being incredibly fit for her age.

The 92-year-old monarch still rides her Fell ponies at Windsor, and drives, mainly around her private estates.

Her good health allows her to still carry out most of the royal engagements in her agenda.
But the Queen has called time on her overseas travels, leaving long-haul destinations to the younger members of her family.

However she still has a busy diary of events, and in 2017 attended 296 events.

Her son Prince Charles was forced to step in for the Queen to lead the nation in remembering the fallen on Remembrance Sunday at Centopath. It marked the first time the Queen had watched the ceremony from a nearby balcony.

Meanwhile, just before Christmas in 2016 both the Queen and her husband Prince Philip fell ill with heavy colds, forcing them to delay their yearly visit to Sandringham for the day,

The 92-year-old monarch was too unwell to attend the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene church and the New Year's Dsy service.

She later described it as a "particularly grisly mixture of cold and flu". 

Announcement date revealed as third summer signing will arrive Arsenal on Sunday

Arsenal have beaten Manchester United in signing Sokratis Papastathopoulos with a deal expected to be announced July 1, according to Sky Sports.

Arsenal’s head of recruitment, Sven Mislintat, has worked with the 30-year-old before in Germany and believes he would be a useful addition at Emirates Stadium.

Borussia Dortmund director Michael Zorc told Revier Sport that Papastathopoulos will be joining Arsenal but that the deal is not quite complete just yet.

On Tuesday, BvB announced that they had signed Abdou Diallo to replace the Arsenal-bound Greek.
“It tends to go there, that’s right. But things are not completely finalised yet,” said Zorc, when asked if Papastathopoulos is heading to the Emirates.

“And I will not work with you now and talk about the rumour mill, which includes 27 new BVB players since the end of May.

“In the meantime, we are having fun ourselves and planning. We have clear ideas and I am very sure that we will put together a very good team.

“This will not necessarily be the case until the start of the season, because the coach wants to make an impression on the players who are under contract with us.”

Dortmund are believed to be paying in the region of €25m for Diallo while Arsenal have agreed a fee of around €18.2m (£16m) for Sokratis.

According to Tutto Mercato Web, Papastathopoulos is still speaking to Arsenal about swapping Dortmund for north London.


It has been claimed Papastathopoulos will join Arsenal at the start of July to fit in with Dortmund’s accounting schedule.

Germany crash out of World Cup group stage after defeat to South Korea

          Dejected Germany players following their defeat to South Korea. Photograph: Thanassis Stavrakis/AP

This, then, is how the world ends, not with a bang but with a whimper. There are certain events so apocalyptic that it feels they cannot just happen. They should be signalled beneath thunderous skies as owls catch falcons and horses turn and eat themselves. At the very least there should be a sense of fury, of thwarted effort, of energies exhausted. And yet Germany went out of the World Cup in the first round for the first time in 80 years with barely a flicker of resistance. There was no Sturm. There was no Drang.

They had come to this World Cup not merely as defending champions but as winners of last summer’s Confederations Cup with what was effectively a second string. The overhaul of their academy system was the envy of the world, talent production on an industrial scale. And yet, called upon to score a goal against a disappointing South Korea side that had already lost to Sweden and Mexico, that had lost in qualifying to Qatar and China, they struggled to create a chance.

In the end it was VAR that undid them. Kim Young-gwon’s strike that had initially been ruled out for offside was given as a goal when it was realised the ball had been played to him by Toni Kroos. And then, even after that, there was a beautiful farce of a goal. Manuel Neuer was caught in possession miles upfield as Son Heung-min chased Ju Se-jong’s long ball and rolled it into an empty net.

Germany are the fourth of the last five reigning champions to go out in the group phase but this was as limp a defence as any side had managed. There was no defining defeat, as Spain had suffered to the Netherlands, just a whole load of baffling mundanity. There was a chance, three minutes from time, to steal a goal as they had stolen a late winner against Sweden in the second game, but presented with a free header eight yards out Mats Hummels somehow misjudged his effort and the ball looped wide off his shoulder.


Jogi Löw, the Germany coach, had acknowledged that while the Sweden game was an improvement his side had still had problems in defensive transition, too often leaving the two central defenders exposed. His solution was to bring Leon Goretzka on to the right of the 4-2-3-1 while restoring Mesut Özil and Sami Khedira, who had been left out of the win over Sweden. It gives some indication of the difficulties Germany have had at the start of this tournament that only three outfielders have started all three games. Thomas Müller, who has been struggling for form for a couple of years, was one of the latest sacrifices, the first time he had been left out of a tournament game by Germany since the semi-final of Euro 2012.

Neuer has also started all three games despite not having played for Bayern since September when he fractured a bone in his foot. He has not been his usual assured self at the World Cup and, 19 minutes in, he fumbled a free-kick from Jung Woo-young before recovering to fist the ball away as Son closed in.

His uncertainty is part of a far greater whole. A year ago, when Germany won the Confederations Cup, all the talk was of their strength in depth and the extraordinary conveyor belt of talent. The machine has gummed up, though; there was no fluency and little cohesion going forward.

Perhaps the aim here was simply to deny South Korea the counterattacking chances Germany granted Mexico and Sweden and, in that sense, the game could be regarded as a success. The gegenpressing was more efficient, but then the opponent was weaker and there was significant cost in terms of attacking threat.

Not until Goretzka met a Joshua Kimmich cross with a flicked header three minutes into the second half was there a real sense of German threat. Cho Hyun-woo, though, leapt to his right to claw the ball away. The Daegu FC keeper came into the tournament as third choice before being surprisingly selected for the opening game because he is the tallest of the three Korea keepers and the coach, Shin Tae-yong, was obsessed by Sweden’s height. Cho gained cult status in Korea where his extravagant ginger bouffant has earned him the nickname “Dae-hair”, taking the Korean word for “great” to create a pun on De Gea.

Werner volleyed wide soon afterwards but that was a rare spasm of pressure. With news coming through that Sweden had scored and that Germany therefore needed to score, Löw threw on Mario Gomez and then Müller. Immediately those issues in defending against the counter returned. It could have been worse; it should have been ended long before it was.

Waitrose store closures: FIVE stores to go as John Lewis Partnership issues profit warning

WAITROSE will close a number of stores across the UK as the supermarket chain is the latest victim of the nightmare engulfing Britain's high streets.

                                           Waitrose is closing five stores

Four convenience stores and one small supermarket will be cut in the restructure, with 200 jobs affected.

The John Lewis Partnership made the announcement as it issued a profit warning.

The group, which is hosting a strategy day, said that it does not expect to make a half year profit, while profits for the full year will come in "substantially" lower than last year.

The company pointed to "market uncertainty" and cited significant extra costs at the partnership as a result of "greater IT investment", which it said will be a big driver behind the

Sir Charlie Mayfield, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, said: "It is very important that we feel the jeopardy of what is happening right now.

"This isn't a blip, it is a major shift and it has a while to run."

Waitrose is expected to see profit growth and John Lewis a decline.

The business added: "It is widely acknowledged that the retail sector is going through a period of generational change and every retailer's response will be different. For the Partnership, the focus is on greater differentiation - not scale.

"We have clear plans to build on our strengths and to sharpen our points of difference in both Waitrose and John Lewis."

The John Lewis Partnership employs 85,000 people. Its estate includes 353 Waitrose stores, of which 288 are supermarkets and 65 convenience shops.

It exports its own-label goods to 50 countries overseas including Hong Kong, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

In its last performance report, for the year ending January 27, Waitrose recorded a sales increase of £6.75bn, or 1.8 percent. Its profit was £172m before exceptionals.

Experts blamed the rise of discount supermarkets Aldi and Lidl which have also been a thorn in the side of chains including Tesco and Morrisons.

And the restructure has been done to pay for vast IT improvements in the hope the company can compete with online retailers.

Martin Lane, managing editor of money.co.uk said: “It’s no surprise John Lewis have seen a fall in consumer demand, but to make close to no profit is worrying to say the least.

“John Lewis are struggling to soak up rising costs whilst improving their own infrastructure. The strategic move to close a few Waitrose stores is part of a wider plan to innovate rather than expand.
“With numerous high street retailers going into administration since Christmas, this news will surely have the John Lewis board members in crisis talks.

“With lack of wage growth and rising living costs it’s become evident that shoppers are tightening their purse strings and saving where they can.

“Cheaper supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl are growing in popularity which leaves Waitrose out in the cold.

“John Lewis on the other hand are battling an even bigger battle - the online retail market. With the recent news House of Fraser are having to shut a large number of their stores, the worry is that John Lewis may end the same way. The partnership has its work cut out to recover from this.

“Sadly, this means employees of John Lewis are also likely to lose out – last year they received their smallest bonus in 60 years. This year it could be even smaller.”

The Waitrose stores that are closing are:
Spinningfields, Manchester

Manchester Piccadilly

Colemore Row, Birmingham

Portman Square, London

Camden, London

                      Waitrose owner John Lewis Partnership said it would not make a profit in its first six months

It is another nail in the coffin for what has been a disastrous year for Britain's retail sector.
Already Toys 'R' Us has closed all its stores, and Mothercare, CartpetRight, Maplin, Marks & Spencer, House of Fraser and Debenhams are among big names which have announced multiple store closers.

Poundworld has gone into administration and is also closing a number of shops.
Sir Charlie joined Airbus in a Brexit warning, saying leaving the European Union (EU) without a deal is an “unthinkable scenario”.

He said the UK is unprepared for the chaos it would bring.

He said: "A no deal Brexit is in my view a pretty much unthinkable scenario."

Airbus last week said it would consider leaving the UK if the Government left the EU without a deal.
The French company, which received £16bn from the EU in a loan deemed illegal by the World Trade Association, said a ‘no deal’ scenario would "lead to severe disruption and interruption of UK production”.

Germany's BMW initially echoed the sentiment before making a u-turn yesterday, denying it was planning to move investment out of Britain.

BMW’s UK boss Ian Robertson said: "We are not considering that as an option.

“We are considering what we would need to have in place to overcome such impediments to border fluidity. That's where we are focused right now.

"It would be foolhardy of any company not to have these contingency ideas under way because we are racing towards March 29 next year.

"We have a group of people working on the customs aspect. We have a group of people working on the logistics aspect.

"We have people investigating the scenarios of how we would handle a situation outside of the customs union, outside of the single market and potentially with a different regulatory framework.”

'This is fantasy land!' Blair torn apart by Humphrys over solution to EU migration crisis

TONY BLAIR was grilled by BBC host John Humphrys after the former British Prime Minister was asked what he would do about the issue of migration on the continent. 

               John Humphrys clashed with Tony Blair over how he would handle the migration crisis in the EU

The European Council summit this week is expected to be dominated by conversations about immigration.

Angela Merkel is facing pressure over her position as Chancellor to make progress over the migration crisis at the summit, and Italy has also called for changes to EU policy.

Speaking on BBC’s Today programme, the former Labour Party leader and UK Prime Minister Tony Blair was asked what he would do to resolve the issue before Humphrys claimed his suggestions were “fantasy land”.

The presenter said: “What would you do now about all of these people who want to come here and there are millions, upon millions, upon millions of them.


“They want to come not just to European countries, they want to come to this country, as well.
“What would you do about them out there? They are either on their way or planning to come here and millions have already come. It’s bringing down Angela Merkel already, she is fighting for her life as we have already heard. Would you dispute that?”

Mr Blair said: “Well, I think you will find at this summit Angela Merkel is also going to want to be dealing with the issue.

“She has no choice, but she will make the right choice, I think, at this summit. What you are going to see is the Europeans coming together to deal with this.

“Just remember, Britain, because we are opted out of Schengen, so we are not in the same situation, what you need is a balanced sensible position on immigration which recognises that immigration can be of enormous benefit to the country.

“But you have got to have rules and order and that is people’s anxiety.”

He added: “They are going to take a perfectly rational view. They are going to say some of these economic migrants, we need in the European economy, and if there is a proper system of assessing you, we will have you into our country.”

The host then cut off the former Prime Minister claiming this “is fantasy land that you are talking about”.

Mr Blair replied: “This is not fantasy land, this is precisely what the Europeans, the Italians and others are precisely suggesting what I am putting to you.

“The reason the numbers have come down, which is not to say there isn’t a big problem, is precisely because they have started to deal with it.

“The purpose of this summit will be to deal with it much more emphatically and with a set of agreed policy positions.

“One other point that needs to be made here, of course, is that even though we are not part of Schengen, Britain has a huge and acute interest on Europe policing its own borders properly.

“One of the tragedies of Brexit is that with this issue as with so many others, we are now going to lose our say over how Europe develops in that regard when actually it is a fundamental importance to our national interest.

“Migration is causing difficulties all over the world…The only way I think that reasonable people can deal with this, this is the way I think it should be dealt with, is you have got to deal with people’s legitimate concerns around order, rules, making sure that only those who have a right to be here are actually here. Making sure that when they come here they abide by our rules and integrate properly.

“That if you like, middle way of dealing with this, would dissuade a lot of the legitimate concerns popped have about immigration and keep you from otherwise what is a prejudiced view against immigration when actually most people understand that some form of controlled and managed migration is important for the good and well-being of the economy.”