Lionel Messi may be a doubt for Argentina's World Cup qualifiers next week after Barcelona confirmed on Monday that their star has a sore left hamstring. The 29-year-old underwent tests at Barca's training ground on Monday after he ended Sunday's 1-0 La Liga win against Athletic Bilbao in discomfort. However, the Blaugrana remain happy for the player to travel to South America and link up with Edgardo Bauza's squad. Argentina, currently third in the CONMEBOL qualification group, host Uruguay on Sept. 2 before facing Venezuela away on … [Read more...]
Wayne Rooney retains England captaincy
Wayne Rooney will continue as England captain after manager Sam Allardyce made the "easy'' decision to retain his services. Rooney, 30, has led his country for the past two years, but after taking over from Roy Hodgson following Euro 2016, Allardyce initially refused to confirm he would keep the armband. Allardyce also declined to name a skipper in his first squad announcement on Sunday night, adding a minor element of intrigue, but the Manchester United forward always looked the firm favourite. Official: #ThreeLions manager … [Read more...]
Hart allowed to leave England camp: To complete Torino deal today
Joe Hart has been given permission to leave the England training camp so he can undergo a medical ahead of a proposed move to Torino. The Serie A club have been in talks with Manchester City over a loan move for the Three Lions goalkeeper, and it appears as if the 29-year-old is edging closer to leaving for Italy. Pep Guardiola has made it clear Hart is not a part of his plans at the Etihad, and following the signing of Claudio Bravo from Barcelona, the England man has been forced to look for a move away from City. Everton were … [Read more...]
United want to keep Marcos Rojo – agent
In spite of being heavily linked with a move away from the club, it appears that Marcos Rojo will be staying at Manchester United. Marcos Rojo's agent has revealed that Manchester United have rejected several offers for the Argentinian in this transfer window. Former Sporting CP defender Rojo arrived at Old Trafford in 2014 in a reported £14million deal, with then United manager Louis van Gaal having been impressed by his performances at the World Cup. However, the 26-year-old, who has been linked with a switch to Valencia, is yet to … [Read more...]
Liverpool fail to land Borussia Dortmund Pulisic
Liverpool are ‘unlikely’ to complete a deal for Borussia Dortmund starlet Christian Pulisic before Wednesday’s transfer deadline. This is according to the Liverpool Echo, who stated that the Reds made an initial offer of £11million for the youngster, who was also wanted by Stoke City. Dortmund are unwilling to sell the 17-year-old, and consequently a deal is unlikely unless the club switch stance. The USA international has two years left on his current contract with BVB, and Jurgen Klopp is a keen admirer, with the player having joined … [Read more...]
Sergio Aguero facing action for elbow on Reid
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero could miss the derby against Manchester United next month if retrospective disciplinary action is taken against him for appearing to elbow Winston Reid. The incident, which happened as he challenged the West Ham defender for a long clearance, and he was not punished by referee Andre Marriner but he could get a ban by FA for games including the Sept. 10 clash at Old Trafford. "I didn't see [the incident] so I cannot comment," City manager Pep Guardiola said. "Hopefully nothing happens. If it happens, … [Read more...]
Samir Nasri not ruling out Man City exit
Samir Nasri has admitted that he could still leave Manchester City before the transfer window close later this week. The French midfielder, 29, had been tipped to quit the club following Pep Guardiola's arrival but he was praised by his new manager after City's 3-1 win over West Ham. Nasri played 15 minutes on Sunday in what was his first appearance of the season and Guardiola said that the ex-Arsenal player is welcomed to stay at City. Speaking to French TV channel SFR Sport after the game, however, Nasri said he still did not know if … [Read more...]
Man City outcast Hart wanted by Torino
Man City Joe Hart could be heading to Italy following confirmation Torino are interested in the England goalkeeper. Torino have confirmed their interest in Manchester City goalkeeper reject, but are keeping other options in mind should a transfer fail to materialise. Hart is looking for a way out of the Etihad Stadium after being frozen out by new manager Pep Guardiola. Sunderland and Everton are among the other clubs to have been linked with a move for the England international, but Torino sporting director Gianluca Petrachi has set … [Read more...]
Fabregas denies Conte row as he discuses Chelsea future
Cesc Fabregas has denied claims he has fallen out with new Chelsea boss Antonio Conte and has been told by the Italian he can leave the club. Fabregas has not started any of Chelsea's opening three Premier League games of the season, making just one substitute appearance, as former Italy coach Conte has begun life in England with three straight wins. But the Spain midfielder insisted he remained committed to the club. The 29-year-old said on Twitter: "Contrary to what has been written, the manager and I have a good relationship and he has … [Read more...]
Ozil convinced Mustafi to join Arsenal
Shkodran Mustafi is set to join Arsenal this week, and he has revealed how Mesut Ozil convinced him to join the Gunners from Valencia. Mustafi was part of the youth setup at both Hamburg and Everton, before becoming a first team regular at Sampdoria, and joined Valencia in 2014. “I did not see Per for a long time because he quit international football but I talked to Mesut,” Mustafi told Sky Sports in Germany. “He told me everything I wanted to know. Everything was positive, so I was convinced very fast. It did not take much. The … [Read more...]
Ivan Rakitic scores as Barcelona beat Athletic Club
Ivan Rakitic scored the only goal as Barcelona ran out 1-0 winners over Athletic Bilbao at San Mames. Barcelona continued their 100 per cent start to the new LaLiga season with a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao at San Mames. Ivan Rakitic's headed first-half goal earned Barcelona a sixth consecutive league victory over Athletic, who are without a point after their first two games of the season. Ernesto Valverde's men were attempting to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Sporting Gijon in the opening game of the season, but Barcelona … [Read more...]