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Ashley Cole has admitted that Chelsea is his ‘first choice’ for a coaching post when he retires from football. The 36-year-old is currently on the books of LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer (MLS). But the former England defender, hopes his career path will lead him back to Stamford Bridge, having spent eight years with Chelsea following a controversial move from Arsenal in 2006. “I’m enjoying it here at the moment, but I would like to go back to England and work for Chelsea in some capacity if I could; so, that would be my first choice. “Coaching or being a scout is something I’ve always considered and enjoyed while watching games. “I try to nurture young players coming through, so it’s something I have in the back of my mind for after I finish playing,” Cole told FourFourTwo. Ashley Cole has admitted that Chelsea is his ‘first choice’ for a coaching post when he retires from football. The 36-year-old is currently on the books of LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer (...

Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo held a secret meeting with Paris Saint Germain owner, Nasser Al-Khelaifi during his visit to Ibiza, according to reports. The 32-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu this summer following reports that he evaded tax in Spain. Reports in OK Diario claim that Ronaldo held talks with the PSG billionaire owner on yacht as he continues to spend his break on the Spanish island of Ibiza. The former United star is believed to have told his representatives to help him seal a move away from Real Madrid despite the club’s backing over his tax fraud allegations. Club president Florentino Perez had earlier hinted as a possible exit, after admitting that Cristiano Ronaldo is ‘angry’. He said: “I know Cristiano is angry, but I think he will stay. “I haven’t spoken with him. The only thing that has to be done is to wait and talk after the Confederations [Cup].” In the wake of the allegations, Ronaldo’s reps...

Arsenal have announced the record signing of Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon for a reported fee of about £52million. The French striker has been monitored by Gunners boss, Arsene Wenger for several transfer window, with reports that the Frenchman is a keen admirer of the striker’s abilities. A club statement read: ‘Alexandre Lacazette has agreed to join us on a long-term contract, for an undisclosed fee. He is expected to travel with the tour party to Sydney this weekend and is likely to make his home debut in the Emirates Cup on July 29 or July 30. The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.’ The former Lyon striker reportedly agreed a five-year deal to become the most expensive player at the Emirates, surpassing Mesut Ozil’s £42million fee from Real Madrid in 2013 Alexandre Lacazette who scored 37 goals last season, was closing in on a transfer to the Atletico Madrid before their transfer ban was upheld, restricting them from registering a playe...

Manchester United have stolen Romelu Lukaku from under the noses of Chelsea by agreeing a £75 million deal with Everton for the Belgium striker. United hope to formally conclude a deal for Lukaku before the club fly to Los Angeles on Sunday for the start of their pre-season tour of the US. Wayne Rooney is likely to join Everton in return although that is being treated as a separate deal, even if the Merseyside club’s interest in the England striker will have helped facilitate the move for Lukaku. United have now ended their interest in Real Madrid and Spain striker Alvaro Morata. Lukaku’s impending transfer to Old Trafford is likely to infuriate Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, who had told the Premier League champions to sign the Belgian at any expense. Chelsea were thought to be the favourites to sign Lukaku but United have been happy for that theory to gather pace in recent weeks as they worked quietly behind the scenes to secure a deal for the 24-year-old. Th...

Chelsea have reignited their interest in Swansea forward Fernando Llorente following reports that Manchester United are closing in on the signature of Romelu Lukaku. Reports in The Times claim that the Blues have returned for the signature of the lanky forward with reports that Antonio Conte considers the striker has a viable back-up option at Stamford Bridge. Llorente who played under Conte at Juventus, was a subject of transfer interest from his former boss during the last January transfer window and there were reports that the Italian boss personally held talks with the forward who decided to stay at Swansea during their battle against relegation. Chelsea are said to be on the verge of losing their priority target, Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United who are believed to have offered Everton a bid close to £100million for the striker. However, it appears Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has settled for an experienced hand in Fernando Llorente who will also be availabl...

Barcelona will turn their attentions to Manchester United’ Ander Herrera, if they fail to sign Marco Verratti from Paris Saint-Germain this summer. Verratti remains Barca’s number one target, but PSG are unwilling to allow the 24-year-old leave. The La Liga side have not given up on Verratti yet and will step up their efforts to force through a deal, if the player expresses a desire to leave. However, Thursday’s front page of Spanish publication SPORT — which carries a picture of Herrera alongside the headline “Plan B a Verratti” — suggests they will look elsewhere if necessary. Herrera is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal at Old Trafford, opening the door for Barcelona to consider swooping for the the former Athletic Bilbao ace.

Barcelona will re-sign winger Gerard Deulofeu from Everton after exercising a buy-back clause believed to be worth 12m euros (£10.6m). Deulofeu originally went on loan to Everton in the 2013-14 season and returned in a £4.3m deal in 2015. The 23-year-old made 13 appearances for Everton last season before joining AC Milan on loan in January. The Catalan club said they expect “terms will be agreed” on a two-year deal. After a good first season on Merseyside, Deulofeu fell out of favour and spent the final half of last season in Italy with AC Milan. He started 36 games for Everton, with a further 39 from the bench, scoring eight goals. His contract had been due to run until June 2018. The Barcelona statement read: “FC Barcelona have activated the buy-back clause for Gerard Deulofeu. “In the following days, the terms will be agreed with both Everton and the player. Deulofeu’s contract will run until 30 June 2019.”