Football transfer rumours: Dejan Lovren to leave Liverpool for Milan?

It’s been a sorry time to be a Milan fan. Having seen their team fail to qualify for the Champions League and then get banned from the Europa League for breaching FFP rules, the venerable old club’s followers need some good news. The kind of exciting transfer talk that places them at the front of the queue to sign one of the best defenders in the world. Yes, it says here that Dejan Lovren may be on his way out of Anfield to San Siro after his agent held talks with the Serie A club over a £25m move. Just £25m! What value! OK, so yes, he’s 29 and played only 13 times in the league for Liverpool last season due to a list of ailments that The Mill’s granddad would blush about, but they’ll get a confident defensive vibes man; a believer who will stridently ignore his own failings – and Milan’s. If he ever plays. Just £25m! Take that FFP!
Manchester United want a new collection of racy young midfielders who will run around a bit for the cause instead of sulking like grounded teenagers. First on the list is Rumour Mill favourite, Bruno Fernandes. They’ve reportedly submitted a £31m offer for the midfield dynamo but have been told by Sporting to get serious and come back with considerably more cash. United beancounters have also set aside £25m for Newcastle’sSean Longstaff. It’s the kind of money that would help fund Mike Ashley’s main hobby of buying up failing retail chains on the British high street. So watch this space. Oh, and on the subject of brooding midfielders, Paul Pogba has been training alone in New York while his teammates report back for training. Make of that what you will.

 year after almost signing for Liverpool, Nabil Fekir is still very much keen to play for a Premier League team who play in red – and he may get his wish if Arsenal turn their attention away from Wilfried Zaha for a moment, and throw in a £30m bid for the unsettled Lyon playmaker. Reports in France suggest Fekir is being touted around like cheap meat in a dodgy pub. It’s a cut-price deal for sure, as Liverpool were primed to sign him for £50m last season before medical concerns caused the transfer to collapse.

Crystal Palace have targeted jinking Carl Jenkinson as a replacement for Aaron Wan Bissaka at right-back. Jenkinson, who has been loaned out for the best part of a decade, is still an Arsenal player, apparently. He will cost Palace just £5m and the Gunners will probably be delighted to have the opportunity to negotiate with Palace so they can keep badgering them about lowering their asking price for Wilfried Zaha to something slightly less ludicrous than £100m.

It seems that Barcelona may be up to some fun and games to get their mitts on Antoine Griezmann for a little less than the £107m Atlético Madrid want for the 28-year-old striker. You see, reports in Italy suggest the club are willing to pay £100m for the 21-year-old Inter and Argentina striker Lautaro Martínez, also known as “The Bull”. The Mill can smell a bit of that here. Expect Griezmann, not Martínez, to wind up at the Camp Nou.

And in red-hot managerial news, Derby are set to hold further talks withPhillip Cocu over replacing Chelsea-bound Frank Lampard as manager. Cocu has been kicking his heels since October, when he was sacked by Fenerbahce.

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Alberto Moreno to Villarreal

Alberto Moreno is set to join Villarreal.

The Spanish left-back was released by Liverpool after his contract expired on July 1.

And according to ESPN FC, Moreno will undergo a medical at Villarreal in the next few days.

Barcelona, Sevilla and Aston Villa were all credited with interest - but Villarreal look to have the 27-year-old’s signature wrapped up.

Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip 

Divock Origi to sign new deal

Liverpool are reportedly optimistic that Divock Origi will accept a new contract offer this summer.

Origi has a year remaining on his current deal but Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is keen to keep the Belgian at Anfield.

The striker scored some crucial goals for Liverpool last season, including a fine effort as the Reds beat Tottenham in the Champions League final.

Origi was not Klopp’s first choice in Liverpool’s attack though with Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane all favoured ahead of the 24-year-old.

That led to fears that Origi could opt for a move away from Merseyside this summer.

Transfer news LIVE: The latest on Liverpool ace Divock Origi 

Football transfer rumours: Liverpool to beat Barcelona to Harvey Elliott?

Liverpool have been quiet in the transfer market this summer so their fans will be happy to hear they have been scurrying away behind the scenes to snap up English football’s next big thing.

Harvey Elliott made the world sit up and notice in May when he became the youngest player ever to appear in the Premier League aged 16 years and 30 days. Barcelona, Real Madrid, PSG and Leipzig quickly joined the race for the England Under-17 international midfielder but reports today suggest Liverpool have won the race for his signature. The Reds will have to pay the Championship side a significant compensation package for a player Tom Cairney says has the ‘wow’ factor. “His attitude and his belief in himself at such a young age is frightening,” said Fulham’s captain after Elliott’s Premier League debut as a late substitute against Wolves. “He’s got a great football brain, an eye for goal and is a very entertaining player.”

Reports in Portugal suggest Bruno Fernandes has his heart set on joining Manchester United and will put the finishing touches on a £53m move to Old Trafford this week. The 24-year-old, who contributed 28 goals and 14 assists from midfield for Sporting last season, has instructed his agent to fly to Manchester on Wednesday to thrash out personal terms. He might have to wait outside Ed Woodward’s office for a bit though as Italian media reckon the Lazio sporting director, Igli Tare, has flown to England to hold talks about the sale of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. The 24-year-old midfielder, a Mill staple last summer, has apparently seen his value plummet from €120m to €80m after a poor season, although you won’t hear Tare saying that.

Rafael Benítez may have finally escaped to China but he has taken his love ofSalómón Rondon with him. Flush with cash after taking over at Dalian Yifang, Benítez wants to see the big Venezuelan hitman putting himself about all over the Chines Super League an is willing to pay £25m for the privilege. Newcastle fans console themselves with the news their club has joined Burnley in the race for Norwich City’s teenage goalkeeper Jon McCracken.

Having agreed a deal to sign Tyrone Mings from Bournemouth, Aston Villaseem intent on sprinkling some fabled ‘Premier League experience’ across their newly-promoted squad. Gary Cahill is close to rejoining his boyhood club on a free transfer from Chelsea while Villa have also made inquiries about snapping up Fabio Borini from Milan. Crystal Palace are also interested in the striker who flopped at Liverpool.

Gabriel Jesus scored one goal and assisted another before being sent off as Brazil won a first Copa America title in 12 years, beating Peru 3-1.

Manchester City forward Jesus set up Everton to volley in the opener before scoring the decisive second.

Paolo Guerrero had briefly given Peru hope when he equalised from the penalty spot minutes before Jesus struck.

Jesus w

as shown a second yellow with 20 minutes left but Richarlison's late penalty sealed the win.

Victory will have been a huge relief for Jesus, who was in tears when he was sent off, kicking a water bottle and then pushing over the VAR monitor as he left the pitch.

It is the ninth time Brazil have won the Copa America and is their first tournament success since winning a gold medal at the 2016 Olympics.

The victory also maintained their record of winning the Copa America every time they have hosted it.

From joy to tears to joy again for Jesus

There will have been few Brazilians celebrating as wildly at the final whistle as Jesus, who went through the rollercoaster of emotions during the match.

The striker has, at times, struggled to deliver on the international stage - he failed to score a goal in five games at the 2018 World Cup - but was the standout performer in the first half of Sunday's final.

His cross for Brazil's first was excellent, holding the ball up on the right before spotting an unmarked Everton at the back post, then picking out the striker with a pinpoint delivery.

Peru, who had upset the defending champions Chile in the semi-finals, were back on level terms just before the break when their all-time top scorer Guerrero converted a penalty, awarded by VAR for a handball by Thiago Silva.

But Jesus took centre stage once again, tucking a neat finish in at the near post deep into first-half stoppage time.

Jesus was furious when he was sent off, with a water bottle joining the VAR monitor in being the focus of his frustration

Brazil looked in control from then on, but the game took another twist midway through the second half when Jesus jumped into the back of Carlos Zambrano. Referee Roberto Tobar had no hesitation in producing the second yellow.

The 22-year-old was in tears as he left the field and sat on the steps inside the tunnel, fearful that his dismissal would aid a Peru comeback.

But he was able to celebrate when Brazil were awarded a penalty four minutes from the end after Everton was fouled by Zambrano. Substitute Richarlison kept his cool to convert from the spot and end Brazil's Copa America trophy drought.

Barcelona set Samuel Umtiti asking price with Man Utd, Arsenal, PSG and Juventus interested

Barcelona have reportedly set an asking price of €60m (£53.8m) for Samuel Umtiti as some of Europe’s biggest clubs monitor the situation.

Manchester United and Arsenal are both interested in the centre-back’s services, while the likes of Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are also keen on him, but it will take over £50m to bring him in, according to the Mirror.

With Arsenal’s transfer budget heavily restricted this summer, thought to be around £45m, this asking price appears to have ruled the Gunners out of the race, however, they are keeping an eye on the situation and will try to pounce if they offload some players. United are pursuing Harry Maguire as their primary centre-back target, but after a £70m bid was rejected, they may well turn to Umtiti as a cheaper option.

The France international has made 97 appearances for Barca since arriving from Lyon in 2016, but fell down the pecking order last season. The commanding defender made just 14 appearances last campaign due to inconsistent form, a knee injury and Clement Lenglet taking his place in the centre of defence. However, despite this, Spanish publication Marca report that Umtiti does not want to leave the Nou Camp and will reject offers to move away, even if the club are keen to end his stay at the Nou Camp.

OFFICIAL: Real Madrid send Sergio Reguilon to Sevilla on loan deal

Real madrid and Sevilla officially announced the loan deal involving left-back Sergio Reguilon, who will play for Julen Lopetegui in Sevilla next season. Reguilon will be a Sevilla player until June 2020 and will therefore get the minutes he needs to continue his development.

Reguilon was a relevant player for Lopetegui during his short tenure in Real Madrid, so it’s fair to assume that the Spanish coach was impressed by his talent and it’s likely that he gets a relevant role next season.

Real Madrid completed the signing of French left-back Ferland Mendy a few weeks ago and that meant that Reguilon needed to find another club.

This club allowed me to be the player and person I am today and I would not change a thing. Thank you to the club, my teammates, the coaches and most of all tank you to the fans. I feel their love and support and that’s something I truly appreciate. I’m facing this new challenge knowing that I always gave my very best for this badge. See you soon! #HalaMadrid,” tweeted Reguilon immediately after the deal became official.

It will be interesting to see what the young defender can do if he starts for Lopetegui on a consistent basis.

Arsenal offer €35 million for Lucas Vazquez

Arsenal have offered €35 million for Real Madrid winger Lucas Vazquez and the deal could be announced as early as next week if the British club and the player reach an agreement, according to a report from AS. The Spanish attacker would be very keen on a move to the Premier League club as he also wants to play in the 2020 UEFA Euro, something he might not achieve if he stays in Real Madrid being a reserve.

Lucas has also received interest from PSG, Bayern Munich and Inter, so his agents could use those rumors to force Arsenal to offer a good contract.

The truth is that Lucas Vazquez just doesn’t have room in Real Madrid’s squad anymore. He’s a hard worker but with the signing of Rodrygo and Eden Hazard it will be very hard for him to get minutes, given that he would also be behind Vinicius and Asensio in the rotation.

All in all, it would make a lot of sense to sell Lucas Vazquez this summer. He’s a solid and a useful player for Zinedine Zidane, but Madrid need money to sign a quality midfielder and have too many winger on their squad right now. If Arsenal’s offer is true, Real Madrid just have to pull the trigger and accept the deal.

Inter Hope Manchester United Will Exclude Lukaku From Preseason Tour Squad

Inter are hopeful Manchester United will leave Romelu Lukaku out of their squad for the Red Devils’ summer tour in Australia, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will jet off on Sunday as the Nerazzurri meet at Appiano Gentile to begin preparation for the new season.

Lukaku’s agent Federico Pastorello is in constant contact with Inter and he is trying to mediate between the clubs.

Solskjaer’s first-team squad list will provide a key indication on how close United are to selling the Belgian international.

Lukaku is training as normal at United’s training ground this week but the 26-year-old is waiting for good news from Inter.

Antonio Conte wanted the striker to arrive before Inter started their summer training camp in Switzerland, but this now seems impossible.

United want to get rid of Lukaku but it remains to be seen how far they are willing to compromise on their initial asking price

Peru dominate Copa America team of the semi-finals after shock Chile win

Here we run through the best rated XI from the semi-finals of this summer’s Copa America, which is unsurprisingly dominated by finalists Brazil and Peru

Goalkeeper: Pedro Gallese (Peru) – 9.12 rating

Peru dumped defending champions Chile out of the semi-finals and goalkeeper Pedro Gallese finished the round as the top WhoScored rated player. Gallese made seven saves, including a stoppage time penalty, to ensure Peru advanced to this weekend’s final without conceding.

Right-back: Dani Alves (Brazil) – 7.94 rating

Dani Alves turned in another superb performance for Brazil, as the hosts knocked out rivals Argentina 2-0. The 36-year-old showed great trickery, completing five dribbles, while also making four tackles and interceptions combined to help Brazil keep yet another clean sheet at the tournament.

Centre-back: Guillermo Maripan (Chile) – 7.09 rating

Chile were shocked 3-0 by Peru in their last four encounter but it certainly wasn’t for a lack of effort on Guillermo Maripan’s part. The 25-year-old won at least three more aerial duels (eight) than any other player on the pitch. Maripan also made four tackles and interceptions combined and completed four clearances. 

Centre-back: Thiago Silva (Brazil) – 7.15 rating

Brazil only managed four shots against Argentina so it was down to their backline to keep things tight. While Argentina managed 14 attempts, just two were on target and only three were taken from inside Brazil’s penalty area. Thiago Silva turned in a commanding display at the back to limit and oozed composure, completing 95.1% of his passes.

Left-back: Miguel Trauco (Peru) – 7.45 rating

Peru had goalkeeper Pedro Gallese to thank for keeping a clean sheet but left-back Miguel Trauco certainly kept Chile right-winger Jose Pedro Fuenzalida quiet. The 26-year-old made six tackles and interceptions combined and six clearances, while winning four aerial duels

Right wing: Gabriel Jesus (Brazil) – 8.67 rating

Gabriel Jesus’ wait for a major tournament goal for Brazil finally came to an end as the Manchester City striker netted in a 2-0 win over Argentina. Not only that, but Jesus assisted Brazil’s other goal and finished as the second highest WhoScored rated player across the two semi-final matches.

Central midfield: Renato Tapia (Peru) – 8.57 rating

Peru’s victory over Chile was underpinned by two sensational midfield performances by Renato Tapia and Yoshimar Yotun, who both make the XI. Starting with Tapia, the 23-year-old registered one assist, completed four dribbles and made four tackles and interceptions combined.

Central midfield: Yoshimar Yotun (Peru) – 8.14 rating

Moving on to Yotun, the 29-year-old scored one of Peru’s three goals and weighed in with eight tackles and interceptions combined. The Peruvian midfielder had two attempts on goal in total and won three free-kicks for his side.

Left wing: Edison Flores (Peru) – 7.61 rating

Edison Flores was only on the pitch for 49 minutes but the 25-year-old certainly left his mark on Peru’s semi-final triumph. Flores scored one goal from his three shots and completed one dribble. Despite being deployed in a forward position, he helped out when Peru did not have possession. Flores made two tackles and interceptions combined and two clearances during his time on the pitch.

Striker: Paolo Guerrero (Peru) – 8.61 rating

This could prove Paolo Guerrero’s final major tournament at the age of 35 and the veteran striker is certainly giving it his all. Peru winning the 2019 Copa America would be a fairytale story and they will need their captain to be at his best if they have a chance of beating Brazil in the final. Against Chile, Guerrero scored once, registered three key passes and completed five dribbles.

Striker: Roberto Firmino (Brazil) – 8.28 rating

Roberto Firmino has made leading the line for Brazil his own this summer, ahead of Gabriel Jesus, who has been forced to play out wide. Like Jesus, Firmino scored and assisted against Argentina, doing so with his only shot of the game and only key pass. The Liverpool striker also made two tackles and completed three dribbles

Manchester United have 'agreed' Matthijs de Ligt deal with Ajax - expert

De Ligt is widely expected to leave Ajax this summer after a fine season last term domestically and in the Champions League.

The 19-year-old is one of the most sought after centre-backs in European football due to his performances for club and his country, Holland.

Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Barcelona have all shown interest in De Ligt but his preferred destination is Juventus.

However, Juve’s opening offer is reportedly just €55million with another €10m to be paid in bonuses.

Laurens admits there is a chance Juventus could end up missing out on De Ligt despite his wish to join them.

He claims Ajax have agreements with both United and PSG and they may try and sell their star asset to those clubs instead.

“I think there’s a chance where Ajax will lose a little bit of patience and say ‘hang on a minute, PSG agreed, Manchester United agreed. In that case we stop talking to you and De Ligt can choose between the clubs that we actually have an agreement in place’,” he told ESPN FC.

“It’s not really in Ajax’s interest to waste a bit more time about De Ligt.

 

“They want the money in, they want for him to go, he was great for them but now he’s decided that he wants to go.

“They want that deal to happen, they won’t want to have to go back and forth in negotiations with Juventus or whoever else.

“So they might well say ‘do you know what, we already have an agreement in place with some clubs, we’re going to only focus on them clubs and De Ligt would have to choose between those clubs because you’re wasting our time’.”

Laurens claims Juve are trying to lower the price as they look to improve other areas as well this summer.

“Maybe at some point the money will run out after some of the deals that they’ve done and the ones that they are hoping to make, like Mauro Icardi for example, like Paul Pogba as well,” he added.

“Maybe they’re thinking ‘do you know what, we can try to lower that deal because De Ligt is clearly willing to come to us more than Paris, more than Barcelona for example, or whatever else’.

Bartomeu: ‘I know where De Ligt will play’

Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu has revealed he knows where Juventus target Matthijs de Ligt will play next season.

De Ligt was closely linked to the Blaugrana this summer before being touted as PSG’s new signing, however the Bianconeri have emerged as late favourites to sign the 19-year-old.

Speaking at a press conference for new signing, Frenkie De Jong, Bartomeu suggested he already knew where De Ligt would be playing next season.

“I’ve been saying for some time that I know where De Ligt will play next season. I can’t say any more than that right now, as it’s the interested parties who ought to announce that.”

“Neymar? We know that the player wants to leave PSG, but we also know that PSG don’t want him to go, so there is nothing to talk about.

“Yesterday, we had a meeting between Oscar Grau and Miguel Angel Gil to talk about Antoine Griezmann. I cannot say any more.

“Situations change from one year to the next and this doesn’t mean he’s definitely coming to Barcelona. We are interested, but stating he’ll come here is another matter.”

Inter Consider €11 Million Plus Nainggolan Offer For Manchester United Midfielder Matic

Inter have told Manchester United they are willing to offer around €11 million plus Radja Nainggolan for midfielder Nemanja Matic, according to ESPN.

The 30-year-old made 38 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils last season, as United finished sixth in the Premier League and reached the Champions League quarter-finals.

Romelu Lukaku remains the Nerazzurri’s primary target at United but it seems the Serbian international, who also has interest from Milan, is tempting them too.

“Matic is keen to discuss the Italian interest with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in order to assess whether he has a future under the Norwegian at Old Trafford,” ESPN’s Mark Ogden wrote today.

Inter are looking to offload Nainggolan as quickly as possible after Antonio Conte decided the Belgian was not part of his plans this season.

Nainggolan and Mauro Icardi are both for sale this summer but the club are struggling to find buyers for either.

Matic has collected 46 caps for Serbia since making his senior debut in December 2008.

Tottenham told two Christian Eriksen replacements amid Man Utd and Real Madrid links

TOTTENHAM boss Mauricio Pochettino has been recommended two replacements for Christian Eriksen with the Dane reportedly of interest to Real Madrid and Manchester United.

 

totthenham have confirmed two transfers this week having finally returned to business for the first time since acquiring Lucas Moura from Paris Saint-Germain in January 2018.

Pochettino completed a club-record £55million - plus add-ons - fee to sign Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon while Jack Clarke has joined from Leeds United for an initial £10m, though the teenage winger has immediately returned to the Whites on a season-long loan.

The Argentine coach is keen to revamp his squad in north London this summer as Spurs chart a fresh tilt at the Premier League title, having finished fourth last term, 26 points off runners-up Liverpool and 27 behind champions Manchester City.

But the Spurs boss also looks set to bid farewell to several stars of his current side, with attacking midfielder Eriksen and centre-back Toby Alderweireld both entering the final 12 months of their contracts.

Eriksen is the more valuable of the duo with Alderweireld available for a cut-price £25m until the final two weeks of the window due to a clause in his contract, the Dane likely to command upwards of £60m after Eden Hazard joined Madrid for a deal worth up to £130m despite having just 12 months left on his deal at Chelsea at the time.

Play-maker Eriksen is reportedly of interest to both Real Madrid and Manchester United having publicly admitted his desire to leave Spurs and “try something new” having played for the club since 2013, when he joined from Ajax. 

Spurs have sought to keep him, offering him a contract that doubles his wages to a reported £150,000-a-week, but having refused to extend his terms, club chairman Daniel Levy is said to be open to a sale to avoid losing the 27-year-old for nothing next year.

It is believed Levy would rather sell Eriksen to Real Madrid than direct rivals Man United but any move could depend on Paul Pogba, with Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane thought to prefer a move for the Frenchman though he would be more than double the cost at around £150m.

Liverpool dealt blow in transfer pursuit of Real Madrid star Dani Ceballos

Liverpool could be set to miss out on the signing of Real Madrid's Dani Ceballos to fellow Premier League rivals and Champions League final opponents Tottenham .

According to reports Spurs are close to securing a loan deal for the talented young player, news which would come as a disappointment to Reds manager Jurgen Klopp.

Klopp had allegedly identified Ceballos as one of his number one targets this summer and Spanish publication Marca reported that Liverpool were poised to make a £45m bid for the player.

AC Milan are another club thought to be interested in Ceballos, but Spurs will now be considered favourites for his signature.

 

So far the only deal Liverpool have completed this summer is the £1.7m transfer of young centre-back Sepp van den Berg from PEC Zwolle of the Netherlands.

They have moved some players on to allow space in their squad for new arrivals, however, having sold Danny Ings to Southampton for nearly £20m and they have also released the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Alberto Moreno.

Ceballos joined Madrid from Real Betis in 2017, and has since gained a reputation as one of Europe's brightest young midfield talents.

He made 34 appearances in all competitions for Los Blancos last season, scoring three times, and has also won six caps for Spain.

However, due to a number of new arrivals at the Bernabeu it is thought Madrid are willing to let him go in spite of his undoubted potential.

They have spent over £300m already this summer by bringing in Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo, and the spending is not expected to finish there, with Manchester United's Paul Pogba also linked with a big-money move to the club.

As a result Madrid are looking to have a clear-out of players they deem not crucial, and Ceballos appears to fall into that category.

Manchester United transfer news: Real Madrid offer £72million PLUS Gareth Bale or Isco for unsettled Paul Pogba

The LaLiga club are reluctant to pay Pogba's asking price in full so are trying to include one of their stars in the deal

Real Madrid have reportedly made an almighty offer to Manchester United in an attempt to land unsettled midfielder Paul Pogba.

Pogba, who admitted he wants to pursue a ‘new challenge’ last month, has been linked with a Bernabeu move or a transfer back to former club Juventus.

 

And the Spanish giants, who have signed the likes of Eden Hazard and Luka Jovic in this window already, are preparing to go all-out to land the World Cup winner.

Mundo Deportivo reports that Real are willing to offer the Red Devils £72million, plus the choice of Gareth Bale or Isco for Pogba.

Los Blancos are reluctant to meet United’s asking price for the Frenchman, 26.

The report states Real were willing to pay up to £134m for him but are now more keen on the idea of including one of their stars in the deal.

However, the LaLiga club have indicated they will only make a move for Pogba if he hands in a transfer request himself with United under no pressure to sell him.

Pogba has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford for months and his agent Mino Raiola has reiterated the player’s desire to leave.

United have been busy in the summer transfer window, having captured Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Swansea and Crystal Palace respectively.

Women's World Cup: USA's Alex Morgan questions reaction to 'tea drinking' goal celebration against England

Alex Morgan says she is "disappointed" with the reaction to her goal celebration against England and questioned the double standards in women's sport.

Morgan insists her 'tea drinking' celebration after heading the winner to send the United States into the World Cup final "wasn't a hit to England".

The forward had been accused of taking a swipe at Phil Neville's Lionesses.

"I'm a little taken aback, you have to laugh about it," said Morgan.

Morgan, 30, feels the reaction to her celebration highlights double standards in sport when compared to some of the elaborate celebrations in the men's game.

"I feel that there is some sort of double standards for females in sports to feel like we have to be humble in our success. We have to celebrate but not too much, we have to do something, but it always has to be in a limited fashion," she said.

"You see men celebrating all around the world in big tournaments, grabbing their sack or whatever."

Chief executive of the US Women's National Team Players Association, Becca Roux, agreed that gender was an issue in the reaction.

"I think our players are role models and I think some of the things that they get criticised for is just sexist bullshit.

"I love their personas, I love that they are fully who they are. I think they're still very polite, they respect their opponents, like England, they respect all of the teams that they played.

"I think for both the players I represent as well as all female players, they are athletes - they are not going to tea, they're going to play sport. They are a different breed of human because they are the top athletes in the world. And that is not a gender thing that is just an athlete thing."

Morgan says her celebration was a tribute to the phrase 'that's the tea', slang for gossip or interesting news, frequently used on social media by Game of Thrones actress Sophie Turner.

"My celebration was actually more about 'that's the tea' - telling a story, spreading news. Sophie Turner does it quite often, she's one of my favourite actresses," she said.

"It wasn't a hit to England in anyway."

Turner responded in a social media video on Friday saying she felt "honoured" by the celebration.

"All those people who are hating on you are probably sitting at home, millennials drinking kombucha," she added.

England forward Lianne Sanderson, a former team-mate of Morgan, was among those to criticise the celebration, calling it "distasteful".

In response, Morgan said: "I am disappointed in that and we were team-mates at Orlando Pride. I have the utmost respect for Lianne and all team-mates I have played with."