Mamadou Sakho's doping affair has been brought to a close, with WADA saying it will not appeal against UEFA's decision to dismiss the case. The World Anti-Doping Agency will not lodge an appeal against UEFA's decision to dismiss proceedings against Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho after he failed a drugs test. Sakho tested positive for higenamine - a fat-burning drug - after his side's Europa League clash against Manchester United in March, and served an initial 30-day suspension. UEFA confirmed in July that it would not impose a … [Read more...]
Chelsea target Gabriel Barbosa set to consider future
Santos' highly-rated forward Gabriel Barbosa is set to consider his future at the club after winning gold with Brazil at the Rio Olympics . The 19-year-old went to the 2016 Games being linked with a host of Premier League sides, including Chelsea and Manchester United, but put speculation on hold as he helped the Selecao beat Germany in the final of the Olympic football tournament at the weekend to take gold on home soil. With the Games now over, Barbosa - also known as 'Gabigol' for his goal-scoring exploits - has revealed he will think … [Read more...]
Guardiola ‘cannot deny’ move for Bravo; Toure, Hart could play
Pep Guardiola has suggested both Joe Hart and Yaya Toure could feature in Wednesday’s Steaua Bucharest clash and also spoke about Claudio Bravo. The Spaniard will allow the England No.1 goalkeeper to leave the Etihad if he wishes, but is willing to give him some first-team football as he rotates his squad for the second leg of the Champions League qualifier. “In terms of long-term injuries, Vincent Kompany and Ilkay Gundogan have little problems,” Guardiola told reporters. “We have ten days to work with them and improve their physical … [Read more...]
Milan reject Chelsea bid for Alessio Romagnoli
AC Milan have rejected a bid “in excess of €25million” from Chelsea for defender Alessio Romagnoli. The Serie A side confirmed on their TV channel that they had rebuffed an approach for the 21-year-old defender, who only moved to Milan in a €25million deal from Roma last summer. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani has told the Blues that Romagnoli is “unsellable” after reports in Italy on Monday claimed that Chelsea had turned their attentions to Romagnoli, having switched the attention from Kalidou … [Read more...]
Liverpool ‘open to loan offers’ for Mamadou Sakho
Liverpool are ready to allow Mamadou Sakho to leave the club on loan to allow him to regain his form, according to reports. Sakho, 26, has not played a competitive game since April, when UEFA launched an anti-doping investigation following a failed test. The France centre-back was cleared by a UEFA board in July but suffered an Achilles injury ahead of the preseason tour to America, and Jurgen Klopp then sent him home from the tour for repeatedly breaking rules. Sakho returned to training on Monday after recovering from injury but The … [Read more...]
Klopp backs Sturridge to get back to his best
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has questioned the mindset of Daniel Sturridge, but is aiming to help the striker put his injury problems behind him. Klopp insists the England man remains “outstanding player”, but has refused to compare him to the Sturridge of old. The 26-year-old striker made his first appearance of the season in the 2-0 defeat at Burnley on Saturday after a hip problem sidelined him at Arsenal. Sturridge played on the right-hand side of Klopp’s front three at Turf Moor, but he struggled to make an impact on the game in … [Read more...]
Valencia insist Arsenal target Mustafi is ‘not for sale’
Shkodran Mustafi will remain at the club this summer according to Valencia manager Pako Ayestaran. Arsene Wenger revealed he was hopeful of completing a deal for the 23-year-old after Saturday's goalless draw with Leicester, but the clubs are yet to strike an agreement that satisfies all parties despite the Gunners settling personal terms with the player. Mustafi's manager has since delivered a blow to Wenger, who is pursuing defensive targets following long-term injuries to Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista. The Valencia boss said: … [Read more...]
MLS attractive option for Rooney – Paulson
Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson believes Wayne Rooney should consider MLS soon. Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney would find MLS "attractive", according to Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson. Rooney, 30, could find it difficult to hold his place at United, but he has a goal and an assist in two Premier League games this season. Timbers owner Paulson believes the England international would be well suited to the United States – if he makes the move in the near future. "I would argue he still has some good soccer ahead … [Read more...]
Allardyce considers England recall for John Terry
New England boss Sam Allardyce has admitted he may talk to former captain John Terry about returning to international football. The Chelsea defender retired from England duty in 2012 having twice been stripped of the captaincy and was never considered an option by previous manager Roy Hodgson. But, with 78 caps to his name, Terry – now considered a veteran at 35 – could make an unexpected return if Allardyce opts to offer him an opportunity to do so. Allardyce said he would want to be fully aware of any lingering politics surrounding … [Read more...]
Jurgen Klopp admits Origi’s absent rhythm
Jurgen Klopp admits Divock Origi is still some way from full fitness ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Burton Albion on Tuesday. Liverpool will face the Championship outfit in the second round of the League Cup, and Klopp is expected to make changes to the side which was beaten 2-0 at Burnley on Saturday. Origi came off the bench in the defeat at Turf Moor but failed to make a significant impact and Klopp has asked for patience with the 21-year-old striker. “Physically, he can make another step. But on the other side, he has no rhythm in the … [Read more...]
Arsenal are too soft to win the Premier League- Patrick Vieria
Patrick Vieira has told The Times that Arsenal should reinforce the squad to address the longstanding lack of physical presence and leadership in the team. Vieira, who won the Premier League three times during his nine years with Arsenal, said he respects Arsene Wenger's refusal to overpay for players and believes they are capable of winning the title this season. Even so, the Frenchman, now in charge of New York City FC in MLS, warned that the current squad is missing the qualities of the 2003-04 "Invincibles," who finished top without … [Read more...]