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...]
Shaw responds to diving accusations after win over the Saints
Luke Shaw has defended himself after accusations he dived to win a penalty in Manchester United’s victory over Southampton. The left-back was deemed to have been tripped by Saints midfielder Jordy Clasie in the second half, earning the penalty which Zlatan Ibrahimovic converted to secure the 2-0 win at Old Trafford. Former Southampton player Shaw was then heckled by the away support, but the 21-year-old insists he did not cheat. “A lot of people are saying it wasn’t a penalty, but 100 per cent it was a penalty, he clipped my foot,” he … [Read more...]
Allardyce: Man City’s Hart will be in England first team squad
Joe Hart will be in England’s squad despite being confined to the Manchester City bench, Sam Allardyce has confirmed. The new manager names his first England squad on Sunday for World Cup qualifiers against Slovakia and Malta and it appears that there will be a space in the party for the Manchester City goalkeeper, who has yet to make an appearance under Pep Guardiola this season. Speaking to Sky Sports News Allardyce confirmed that Hart, who has reportedly been told he can leave City, will “definitely” be in the party that travel to … [Read more...]
Aguero must not forget his team responsibilities- Guardiola
Pep Guardiola is delighted with Sergio Aguero's brilliant start to the season, but insists the Manchester City striker must maintain his hard work. The Argentina international took his tally to six goals from City's first three games after scoring twice in the 4-1 victory over Stoke City as they maintained their perfect start to the season. But Guardiola is not only delighted with Aguero's goals, he also praised the striker's industry and movement off the ball. The Catalan told a news conference: "He knows we are here to help him to … [Read more...]
Conte defends Costa says striker is being mistreated in England
The criticism of Chelsea striker Diego Costa has left Antonio Conte desperate for him not to let it distract his start to the season. Antonio Conte has urged Diego Costa to focus on his football and not let the criticism of him affect his impressive start to the 2016-17 campaign. Costa netted his second goal of the Premier League season on Saturday as Chelsea came from a goal down to beat Watford 2-1, the Spain international slotting home the decisive goal with three minutes to play. However, his performance attracted criticism with … [Read more...]
Klopp: I’d be a ‘real idiot’ to buy after one loss
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said he would have to be "a real idiot" to rush into the transfer market purely on the basis of Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Burnley. Klopp has made several signings this summer, including Sadio Mane, Georginio Wijnaldum and Ragnar Klavan, but he has so far failed to bring in a new left-back despite serious questions over Alberto Moreno's form, with James Milner used in the position at Burnley. Liverpool beat Arsenal 4-3 in their Premier League opener before suffering the surprise defeat to Burnley, and Klopp said … [Read more...]
Chelsea want to win the League again under Conte- Hazard
Eden Hazard said Chelsea have set their sights on regaining the Premier League title under Antonio Conte this season. Chelsea came from a goal down at Watford on Saturday to make it two wins from two Premier League games for Conte, with Diego Costa scoring an 87th-minute winner. The result puts the Londoners level with Manchester United, Manchester City and Hull City on six points -- a total the Blues took six games to reach as their title defence imploded last season. Hazard is encouraged by that start and said the team's goal was to … [Read more...]